Northern Territory under ‘lockout’ orders after spike in Covid cases

Michael Gunner has announced tough ‘lockout’ restrictions after the Northern Territory recorded a huge spike in Covid cases.

The Northern Territory has gone into a lockout until at least Monday after recording a further 256 cases of Covid-19.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said there were 27 cases of community transmission, 10 were known close contacts of previous cases, 88 were interstate arrivals, 19 were international travellers, and 112 remained under investigation.

Twenty-three people are in hospital, with eight of them considered “acute cases” and two in intensive care.

“Today’s escalation in cases is concerning,” Mr Gunner told reporters on Thursday.

“One positive case in the community usually sees more than one person infected.

“We need to keep our case numbers steady.”

Under the rules of the lockout, fully vaccinated people can live normally within the lockout area but must use masks.

Today, a Territory-wide lockout came into effect until midday Monday, 10 January 2022. Indoor mask mandate continues. Visit: https://t.co/9TlyTNxHVl. pic.twitter.com/oVUfsitOU2

— Michael Gunner (@fanniebay) January 6, 2022

Unvaccinated people aged 16 years and over, including anyone who has received one dose of the vaccine, must stay at home.

They can only leave for the following three reasons:

• Medical treatment, including Covid-19 testing or vaccination;
• Essential goods and services, like groceries, power tokens and medications; and
• To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves.

People cannot travel more than 30km from their home unless it is to go to a hospital.

Businesses must ensure employees, customers and visitors are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated people may access essential services only including supermarkets, hospitals or takeaway food.

Anyone caught breaching the directions faces a $5000 fine.