NT businesses urged to prepare workplaces for wider spread of coronavirus

Health officials have urged Northern Territory businesses to prepare their workplaces for the wider spread of coronavirus, while a Darwin school urges parents to rethink their overseas holiday plans.

Darwin City and Waterfront Retailers Association vice chairwoman Darlene Chin, inside her store Attitude for Men. Picture: Keri Megelus

• First Darwin coronavirus case confirmed in the community as tourist tests positive
• NT Health defends response to first community coronavirus case

HEALTH officials have urged Northern Territory businesses to prepare their workplaces for the wider spread of coronavirus, while a Darwin school urges parents to rethink their overseas holiday plans.

NT Health has advised businesses to roll out plans to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace, including advising employees to wash their hands frequently, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and isolating those who are unwell.

NT Chamber of Commerce deputy CEO Brian O’Gallagher called on businesses to take measured steps to prepare.

“We certainly don’t want businesses to panic. The last thing we need is hysteria and people stocking up when they don’t need to,” he said.

It comes as health authorities continue to trace people who may have been exposed to coronavirus after a 52-year-old man flew into Darwin and tested positive to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Darwin City and Waterfront Retailers Association vice chairwoman Darlene Chin said she was worried mass panic about the virus would do more harm than good.

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NT deputy chief health officer Di Stephens said two men who sat next to the man on the QF 840 flight and went fishing near Maningrida were well and would remain in self-isolation for 14 days.

“All of the close contacts with the man on QF 840 last Tuesday remain well in self-isolation,” she said.

Haileybury Rendall School sent an email to parents this weekend, asking them to avoid international travel ahead of school holidays next month.

“The safety of our students and community is paramount,” principal Craig Glass said.

“We therefore encourage families and staff, where possible, to reconsider the need for international travel to at-risk locations.

“This is of particular importance for those who may be planning travel during the upcoming term one school holidays.”

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A Department of Education spokeswoman said all students, staff and families in the Territory were being kept well informed of the latest health advice.