NT businesses to reopen from end May, under Gunner Government’s nation-leading COVID-19 lockdown exit plan

BUSINESSES in the Top End will begin to reopen sooner than you think, under the NT government’s nation-leading coronavirus restriction exit plan

BUSINESSES in the Top End will begin to reopen from the end of May, under the NT government’s nation-leading coronavirus restriction exit plan.

The NT News can reveal Chief Minister Michael Gunner will release a detailed roadmap for easing restrictions on businesses and activities by the end of next week, with hopes Territorians can enjoy a “new normal” dry season by June.

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The NT, which has not logged a new coronavirus case in more than two weeks, will be the first jurisdiction in Australia to start coming out coronavirus lockdown and, if successful, the first in the world.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner reveals businesses in the Top End will begin to reopen from the end of May. Picture: Che Chorley

Dubbing it a “business before borders” strategy, Mr Gunner is adamant the NT will not open itself up to the rest of the nation while it remains a threat.

“The borders will be the last to go, no question. I’m not even thinking about relaxing our border controls. This is a Territory-first plan,” he said.

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But the “gradual easing of restrictions” will come with specific conditions, like a limit on the number of people in an establishment and strict cleaning protocols.

The NT Government will put in place rapid response measures to “test, trace and trap” future outbreaks of COVID-19, with plans to significantly ramp up testing and contact tracing.

It is understood this includes promoting the Federal Government’s coronavirus tracking app, designed to identify the movement of Australians who have tested positive and the people with whom they have come into contact.

By using Bluetooth technology, the app will identify other phones using the app that have been within a 1.5 metre range for at least 15 minutes.

Remote communities, currently protected under the biosecurity act, will come out of lockdown in a different way, though details have not been outlined.

The NT Government’s biggest fear is Territorians may take the easing of restrictions for granted by failing to keep up their social distancing and COVID-19 hygiene measures.

“Easing restrictions will actually increase responsibility on all Territorians to keep doing the right thing. It’s up to all of us to get this right. I don’t want us going back to square one,” Mr Gunner said.

“I know it’s been hard, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“We are going to do this on Territory time. We are doing what is right for the Territory, when it is right for the Territory.”