Amoonguna enters lockout for at least five days

Amoonguna entered lockout on Thursday for at least five days as the community reaches 16 Covid cases.

UPDATE January 13: AMOONGUNA entered lockout on Thursday for at least five days as the community reaches 16 Covid cases.

In a lockout people who are fully vaccinated are able to live life normally and access all services with proof of their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated or single vaxxed people must stay at home for the lockout period and can only leave for four reasons.

Those reasons being medical treatment, essential goods and services, one hour of exercise within 5km of their home and to provide care and support for a family member or person who cannot support themselves.

The lockout for Yuendumu and Yuelamu remains in place until at least January 15.

EARLIER: The APY Lands has shut its border following the confirmation this week of two positive Covid-19 cases in the community of Amata, about 14km south of the Northern Territory border.

The closure order prohibits entry or departure for anyone except essential workers.

The two positive cases – believed to have contracted the Omicron strain – and their close contacts have been sent to Adelaide via the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and are isolating.

In a statement from Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) on Thursday, the council said relevant stakeholders were working together.

“Nganampa Health, SA Health and SA Police will continue to work with the APY executive board, APY management and the Amata community,” the statement read.

Aerial view of the APY Lands.

“Covid-19 testing is underway in Amata.

“Due to the positive cases – the first in the APY Lands since the onset of the global pandemic – the APY executive board has resolved to close the APY Lands for the next 5 days.”

The statement said a decision on reopening the lands will be made following a review on Monday, January 10.

The traditionally owned Maralinga Tjarutja lands, located on the remote western areas of South Australia, has also been closed due to the increased risks of Covid-19.