Shutting the NT’s borders: Everything you need to know

THE Territory is shutting its borders next week, forcing all who arrive to be quarantined for 14 days. This is what you need to know

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker announced tough new border security measures. Picture: Che Chorley

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THE Territory is shutting its borders next week, forcing all who arrive to be quarantined for 14 days amid fears of spreading coronavirus.

From 4pm on Tuesday March 24, anyone arriving in the Northern Territory via any means will be forced to quarantine for two weeks.

This will be enacted through a formal declaration by the Chief Health Officer under the Public and Environmental Health Act.

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the strict border controls were for all access points to the NT: roads, airports, train stations, ports and airports.

“Whether you are local or not, this applies to you,” Mr Gunner said.

The quarantine will be enforceable by law, with the possibility to be fines up to $62,800 for noncompliance.

People arriving in the NT will be required to commit to the quarantine, and tell officials where they will stay.

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Mr Gunner said anyone who isn’t prepared to commit to the quarantine will be turned away.

“As of Tuesday I’m saying to the rest of country, ‘sorry if you’re not willing to do what it takes, sorry we are shut.’”

The quarantine will not be applied to essential personnel, like health officials, flight crews, freight workers and Defence.

Travellers will also be able to apply for exemptions under compassionate grounds.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker provide an update on potential measures to reduce travel into the NT

Posted by The NT News on Friday, 20 March 2020

More information about who can apply for an exemption and how to apply will be released in the coming days.

The quarantine is similar to what Tasmania brought in earlier in the week.

Extra measures will also be put in place to prevent the virus from being brought into the Territory’s remote Aboriginal communities.

Any member of a community who chooses to leave will also have to spend 14 days in isolation outside before being allowed to return.

“My greatest concern will be over the coming weeks if people choose to leave, and bring back with them, coronavirus,” Mr Gunner said.

“And I say to remote residents currently in our city and our towns – go home now, while it is safe, while you can.

“This is for your elders. This is to protect them, to protect their stories, to protect your people and your culture.”

He said the plan is set to remain in place for at least six months.

“This is an unprecedented action for the Northern Territory,” he said.

“But these are unprecedented times.”

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said there has been a 30 per cent increase in calls to 131 444 reporting people not complying with isolation protocols.

“There is a fine of up to $62,800 for noncompliance under this public health emergency declaration,” he said.

“We will use all available technology to come to your door, to speak to you, to reinforce the significant importance (of adhering to protocols).”

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said Territorians should call the Public Health Unit if they want to report people who are not self isolating when they should be.

The dedicated COVID-19 hotline number for the Northern Territory is 1800 008 002.

Mr Gunner also asked that Territorians stop panic-buying supplied.

“Food and freight will continue. Our supermarkets and stores will be stocked,” he said.

“To anyone who may be tempted to panic-buy – don’t. It is unnecessary and it is unfair to your fellow Territorians.”

“Stockpiling food doesn’t help you, it just hurts vulnerable people.”