NT border set to open to Sydney residents from October

It’s not Queensland, but Sydneysiders looking for an interstate getaway without having to quarantine will have more option from next month.

Sydneysiders may be allowed into the Top End from early next month, with Northern Territory’s Chief Minister Michael Gunner saying he will eliminate Sydney as a “hot spot” from next month.

Addressing media in Darwin, Mr Gunner said the lowering number in Victoria were “encouraging”, but the state still has a long way to go before being allowed into the Northern Territory.

“Victoria will continue to be a hot spot for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory,” he said.

“This morning, Dr (Hugh) Heggie advised he’s now satisfied with the progress that’s been made in Sydney to recommend a change to their hot spot status.”

Looks like Sydneysiders will be allowed to visit the NT from next month.

Mr Gunner said the “sustained downward trend” of new cases in Sydney over time, including seven straight days of 10 or fewer new cases paired with a “superb” contact tracing system lead to his decision.

“The Northern Territory will plan to remove the hot spot status declaration for Greater Sydney in 28 days’ time,” Mr Gunner said, noting visitors from Greater Sydney will not have to do mandatory hotel quarantine from next month.

“From Friday, October 9, arrivals from Greater Sydney will not need to undertake 14 days of supervised quarantine.”

Mr Gunner said the four week forecast allows for Sydney to complete two full replication cycles, so that his government can ensure NSW continues a downward trend.

“A four-week buffer gives Sydney more time to keep beating the virus, and gives us the time and flexibility we need to change our plan, if necessary.

“This is the same cautious approach we took with our borders the first time around, and

it worked.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner says he will be reopening the border to Sydney from next month. Picture Katrina Bridgeford

However, Mr Gunner warned he would not hesitate in putting closures back in place should there be a sudden flare up.

“We cannot predict the future, but we can plan for it,” he said.

“If something happens, if things change, if the trend goes back up in Sydney, we will not hesitate to keep their hot spot status in place for as long as we need to.

“But if they continue to make the progress they are making – as we expect they will – we can welcome Sydneysiders back to the Territory next month.”

NSW recorded 10 new cases of coronavirus on Friday.