Northern Territory to reopen borders to Melbourne in two weeks

MELBURNIANS will be allowed to enter the Northern Territory without having to quarantine from November 30, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner

• Strict public health measures prevented a COVID-19 outbreak in the NT, according to a new report
• NT travellers flock to WA as hard border restrictions finally ease

MELBURNIANS will be allowed to enter the Northern Territory without having to quarantine on November 30, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

Mr Gunner and Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie made the announcement during a press conference at 8.30am today.

It comes as Victoria has today recorded its 17th straight day of zero new coronavirus cases and no deaths.

“In two weeks time Greater Melbourne will no longer be considered a hotspot for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory,” Mr Gunner said.

“We are announcing a date well in advance, to give us the time we need to be extra short and extra safe.

“We’re waiting another 14 days just to for replication cycles of data to be absolutely confident.”

The move to revoke Melbourne’s COVID hotspot status means the NT will now be open to the entire state of Victoria after opening to Mitchell Shire on Friday and the rest of regional Victoria on November 2.

The last positive cases of coronavirus in Victoria were on October 30 when four infections were recorded.

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

MORE TO COME.

Follow @tashemeck

Originally published as Northern Territory to reopen borders to Melbourne in two weeks