New regional plunged into snap 72 hour lockdown, mask mandate

A city that has avoided most Covid-19 restrictions for the past two years has just been thrown into a snap 72-hour lockdown.

Tennant Creek residents are the latest in the Northern Territory to be thrown into a snap lockdown for 72 hours after four people from the area tested positive to Covid-19.

Acting chief minister Nicole Manison announced the lockdown on Friday, saying residents in the area could not leave their homes unless they were getting tested or vaccinated, purchasing essential goods, seeking medical assistance or caring for others, or to attend essential work.

It will be the first time the town has been locked down.

She announced four of the eight new Covid-19 cases reported today came from Tennant Creek and were two women in her 40s, another in her 20s and a child.

One of those cases was infectious while in the community and had links to the Katherine cluster which now stands at 100 cases.

NT acting chief minister Nicole Manison announced the 72 hour lockdown on Friday Picture: Glenn Campbell

Anyone who left Tennant Creek since December 10 must also get tested and isolate until a negative result is received, under a new Covid-19 direction.

A mask mandate was also implemented immediately for the Barkly local government area, that includes Tennant Creek, Katherine and its surrounding areas, and will remain until 5pm on Monday.

Ms Manison said it was a “serious situation” because there was lots of movement in and out of Tennant Creek and the vaccination rate in the area was ”frustratingly, disappointingly low”.

Currently, 83 per cent of residents from the town have one dose of the vaccine while 70 per cent are fully vaccinated.

She said she knew people had begun their leave from work or school holidays for the Christmas break-up.

Ms Manison said vaccination rates in Tennant Creek was “frustratingly, disappointingly low”. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We know it’s close to Christmas. We ask you to please stick with us for the next few days,” Ms Manison said.

“It helps ensure that we can all have a happy and safe Christmas with your family and loved ones so please do your bit. Wear your mask.

“There is no reason to panic buy … I want to assure people again that supply chains are guaranteed and assured.”

The remaining two cases that weren't linked to the cluster tested positive Yulara after they received notifications that they were close contacts of a confirmed case in Brisbane.

The two fully vaccinated males in the 20s travelled to the NT town on Jetstar flight JQ667.