‘Hard lockdown’ to test mental health of Binjari and Rockhole residents, no new local Covid-19 cases

A ‘hard lockdown’ ordering of residents of Binjari and Rockhole to remain in their often-overcrowded homes could have a ­severe impact on their mental health, the police commissioner has said.

A “HARD lockdown” ordering hundreds of residents of Binjari and Rockhole to remain in their often-overcrowded homes except for medical treatment or in an emergency could have a ­severe impact on their mental health, the police commissioner has said.

The NT recorded no new local cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, following nine cases that emerged late on Saturday in the Aboriginal community of Binjari, near Katherine.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the positive cases were “very concerning but not surprising”. Mr Gunner said authorities believed more positive cases will emerge in Binjari and Rockhole, which have both been plunged into a hard lockdown since Saturday night, meaning food and other essential items will be delivered and a heavy police presence will be on the ground ensuring compliance.

“We’re conscious of the fact that this can have some impacts for people’s mental health as well as their general well being,” Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said.

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker says the hard lockdown will test residents. Picture: Julianne Osborne

“Know that we are on the ground – we will be supporting you.”

The exact vaccination rate of Binjari and Rockhole has not been made public, however the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress says Binjari’s vaccination rate is “very low”. Of 29 vaccines administered in Rockhole on Saturday, 27 were first doses.

Additional staff have joined a rapid assessment team dispatched to Binjari to manage the response, and the federal government has offered to deploy 20 ADF personnel, as well as army trucks, to assist with the unfolding situation, Mr Gunner said.

Based on the level of movement between some communities outside of Katherine and a positive wastewater testing result from the Bicentennial Road catchment, Mr Gunner said there is a “real risk” the virus has spread to other connected communities further away.

A mask mandate has been issued for communities in the West Daly and Roper Gulf local government areas, while Greater Katherine and Robinson River will remain in lockdown at least until Monday evening.

As of Sunday, contact tracers had identified an additional 30 close contacts since the previous day, bringing the total number in the NT to 385.

There were 11 close contacts yet to be located.

Originally published as ‘Hard lockdown’ to test mental health of Binjari and Rockhole residents, no new local Covid-19 cases