Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker reveals Katherine hotels turned into police barracks as part of response
The NT Police Commissioner has revealed the efforts of authorities to control the Top End’s Covid cluster, including how hotels have been turned into police barracks.
Northern Territory
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HOTELS have transformed into police barracks and soldiers into food delivery teams to help Katherine and surrounding communities through the Covid lockdown.
Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said more than 80 Defence and police personnel and public servants were living in commercial accommodation in Katherine.
“Obviously, Katherine being locked down, (there’s) not too many tourists moving in and around there,” Mr Chalker said.
“We know the tourism sector particularly is hurting through these periods of time.”
Mr Chalker said the surge included 30 police officers, 40 members of the Australian Defence Force and 10 public servants.
He said the extra workers would assist in monitoring Covid compliance and education, food deliveries, care packages and making sure homes had continued access to power and water.
A Defence spokesman said 40 personnel and vehicles would support NT Health deliver food to vulnerable communities, with an additional 25 to help with Covid testing.
Originally published as Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker reveals Katherine hotels turned into police barracks as part of response
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