The Northern Territory scraps PCR testing requirements for interstate arrivals, records 75 new cases

The Northern Territory has scrapped PCR testing requirements for interstate arrivals, as 75 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the 24-hour reporting period.

UPDATE: THE Northern Territory has scrapped PCR testing requirements for interstate arrivals, as 75 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the 24-hour reporting period.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said at a press conference on Tuesday that interstate travelers would no longer be required to provide a negative PCR test before arriving in the Territory.

The change comes as interstate testing facilities have struggled to meet demand with the NT government deciding to take ownership over its own testing regime.

“The change is born out of testing issues interstate with PCR supply and testing resources down south getting thinner and thinner,” Mr Gunner said.

“We need to be in full control of our testing regime, we cannot rely on other jurisdictions.

“If you are in a queue down south trying to get a PCR test, leave, we will sort it out when you get here.”

Instead, interstate arrivals will now be required to administer a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and then submit a declaration online within a two hours.

One of the first flights to come in following the announcement of the testing change was from Brisbane with people generally happier with the change on arrival.

Tamara and Paul Pratt were visiting family over the Christmas period and were happy to receive four RAT kits each on arrival.

“It’s a good change, we couldn’t find any in Brisbane so it’s good to have them here,” Ms Pratt said.

“When we landed we saw it reported that the testing rules had just changed and we got given them straightaway from the plane.”

Megan Baker, who is in the Northern Territory visiting her daughter, said it was much easier than having to wait in a long line in Brisbane before flying to the NT.

“It is a lot easier not having to queue up and test, in Brisbane you’re queueing for hours,” she said.

“I’m going to make sure I buy some to take back with me because they have none in Queensland.”

It was a point shared by David Anderson, who was returning home after a festive season break and was glad to pick up his four tests on arrival without a long wait.

“I had to line up at 4am at Gold Coast University Hospital to get a test,” Mr Anderson said.

“This is so much easier, you just come off the plane and they give you the paperwork and give you the tests and send you off.”

Of the 75 new cases reported on Tuesday, 21 were confirmed from close contacts, 40 were from interstate arrivals, four were international arrivals and seven are still under investigation to determine the source.

As of Tuesday there were 24 cases in NT hospitals with none in ICU and 1834 tests were carried out on Monday.

Mr Gunner said it was too early to determine how effective the indoor mask mandate had been after it was implemented on New Year’s Eve but it would continue.

In regional Northern Territory, Mr Gunner said new cases had been detected in the following locations:

– 5 cases in Gove, three from interstate arrivals and two from close contacts

– 2 cases in Katherine, both from interstate arrivals

– 4 cases in Tennant Creek, all from known close contacts, with all cases already isolating

– 9 cases in Alice Springs, most of which associated with interstate arrivals, however some are still under investigation

-1 case in Gunbalanya, an adult male who was returning from Darwin. Contact tracing is underway to determine risk to the community

– 7 cases from Robertson Barracks, all recent interstate arrivals

– 3 cases in miners, one from Groote Eylandt and two from the Tanami mine. The three mine site cases are all interstate arrivals and are being managed in the mine sites under their Covid Safe plans.

EARLIER: CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner is expected to provide a Covid-19 update at 12pm Tuesday.

It comes as thousands more Territorians aged 18 and over become eligible for their booster shot after the interval was reduced to four months after receiving a second dose.

“2021 was the year of getting vaxxed, and 2022 is the year of getting boosted,” Mr Gunner said.

On Monday, the NT government announced changes to its Covid reporting regimen in signs the system is beginning to struggle with the number of daily cases.

The Northern Territory recorded 58 new cases in the 12-hour period to 8pm Sunday.

Of the 58 cases, 20 were interstate or international arrivals and 17 were known close contacts.

There were two cases of community transmission, and 19 mystery cases where the source had not yet been identified.

Originally published as The Northern Territory scraps PCR testing requirements for interstate arrivals, records 75 new cases