NT declares NSW’s Eurobodalla Shire, including Batemans Bay, another COVID-19 hotspot

THE NT’s borders will immediately be closed to NSW’s Eurobodalla Shire which has been declared a COVID-19 hotspot after a recent outbreak in Batemans Bay

Arrivals from COVID-19 hotspots at Darwin Airport en route to mandatory quarantine as the NT borders reopen to Interstate visitors. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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THE Northern Territory’s borders will now be closed to NSW’s Eurobodalla Shire which has been declared a COVID-19 hotspot after a recent outbreak in Batemans Bay.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced that NT’s borders will be closed to the Eurobodalla Shire hotspot, located in the south coast region of NSW, as of July 20.

It comes after a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Batemans Bay reached eight today.

“I have been upfront with people about the fact that our COVID-19 response will change quickly,” Mr Gunner said.

“Hotspots can be added without notice, and you are seeing that today.

“No more two-day warning. When we need to declare a hotspot, it will happen straight away.

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“This means anyone arriving from Batemans Bay, Greater Sydney or Victoria will go into a supervised facility like Howard Springs for 14 days – and will be charged $2500.”

NT Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie said if Territorians had been in the newly-declared hotspot, and were coming back to the Territory, they should immediately isolate themselves on their return and then organise to be tested for the virus.

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