Fifteen people refused entry into Darwin Airport as border controls tighten

Fifteen people were refused entry into Darwin on Monday, as new border controls came into effect.

FIFTEEN people were refused entry into Darwin on Monday, as new border controls banning visitors from taking advantage of the Howard Springs quarantine facility came into effect.

NT Police Incident Controller Acting Commander James A. O’Brien said 15 people were refused entry at Darwin Airport, with eight departing within two hours while the other seven were booked on flights for Tuesday. They are being accommodated overnight at the Centre for National Resilience.

On Sunday Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced from August 9, people entering the Northern Territory must complete an exemption form and receive approval if they have been in a current declared Covid-19 hotspot or public exposure site in the 14-days prior to arrival in the Northern Territory

A/Commander O’Brien said police, health, airport and other border entry staff worked to ensure the 15 travellers who arrived on Monday were the given the opportunity to leave the NT without receiving an infringement notice. However A/Commander O’Brien added moving forward police will take a zero tolerance stance to ensure the safety of Territorians.

“I remind travellers wanting to come to the NT from hotspots or exposure sites, do not board the plane, or boat, or drive to the NT unless you have all of the required approvals,” he said.

“I cannot be more clear, those people who wish to test the system will be turned around. We will have no hesitation in issuing an infringement of $5056 to travellers who breach the CHO direction.

“Travellers must maintain awareness on the requirements of travelling to the Northern Territory. Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of Territorians and the most recent CHO direction was made to further strengthen that commitment.”

The penalty for failing to abide by the Chief Health Officer Directions issued under section 56 of the Public and Environment Health Act 2011 is $5056 for an individual and $25,280 for a business.

Originally published as Fifteen people refused entry into Darwin Airport as border controls tighten