‘I’m so excited’: True love reunited after 4.5 months as NT border quarantine measures ease

Daphne and Edward Tapim had spent months apart due to coronavirus but the easing of NT’s quarantine rules meant they were reunited – just in time for their 25th wedding anniversary

Darwin received its first arrivals from interstate as further border restrictions are lifted. Edward Tapim and Daphne Tapim from Townsville, QLD were excited to be back together after four months apart. Picture: Che Chorley

DAPHNE and Edward Tapim had spent months apart due to coronavirus but the relaxation of the NT’s border control measures meant the couple were finally reunited – just in time for their 25th wedding anniversary.

Mrs Tapim was one of the first interstate passengers to arrive at Darwin Airport who will be allowed to self-isolate in a place of their choice rather than do a $2500 two-week stint in a hotel picked by the government.

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Travellers arriving on the Airnorth flight from Townsville, Queensland, said they had been waiting for this day as it would have been uneconomical to arrive during the forced hotel quarantine period.

Darwin received its first arrivals from interstate as further border restrictions are lifted. Edward Tapim and Daphne Tapim from Townsville, QLD were excited to be back together after four months apart. Picture: Che Chorley

The NT Government, when implementing the mandatory hotel quarantine in April, said it was a deterrent to people coming amid the pandemic.

And new Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows it worked.

The number of overseas visitor arrivals to the NT in April plummeted 99.4 per cent compared to March, with a total of just 10 people.

The number of Territorians returning home from overseas also fell 97.2 per cent in April compared to March, with a total of 130 people.

Mr Tapim works at the airport, though he technically lives in Townsville with his family and 12 children and has been unable to leave the NT.

This is the longest the couple has ever been apart and after four and a half months, the Tapims collapsed into each other’s arms in tears.

“It’s very emotional, I’m just glad I’m here,” Mrs Tapim said.

With a grin, they declined to divulge what their plans were for their anniversary on Friday and the next two weeks of quarantine.

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For Brittni Barwick, the move from Gladstone to the NT to be with her partner James Barnham had been months in the making but was postponed due to the cost of hotel quarantine.

Darwin received its first arrivals from interstate as further border restrictions are lifted. James Barnham and Brittni Barwick hug as they are reunited. Picture: Che Chorley

“My pocket is really happy,” Mr Barnham joked.

“Yes, definitely, it’s been hard being apart.”

The pair will spend a fortnight in quarantine together before Ms Barwick can explore her new home.

Territorian Micah Daniels had been living in Townsville for the past decade working on the mines until he saw the light and decided it was time to come home.

Darwin received its first arrivals from interstate as further border restrictions are lifted. Micah Daniels arrived back in the Territory for the first time in 10 years. Picture: Che Chorley

He will quarantine at a mate’s place in Alawa before looking for work.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner is due to make an announcement on the borders opening on Friday.

Originally published as ‘I’m so excited’: True love reunited after 4.5 months as NT border quarantine measures ease