Gunner tells NT to brace for deaths, some remote NT communities’ vax rates still very low

As the Territory’s biggest Covid-19 outbreak to date grows to 19 cases, there are at least five remote NT communities with vaccination rates below 10 per cent.

UPDATED: VACCINATION rates in some remote Northern Territory communities remain below 10 per cent but Chief Minister Michael Gunner has expressed optimism about take up.

There were 2444 vaccinations administered in the Territory on Wednesday, the third highest day in the rollout so far.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Gunner said the surge, particularly in some remote communities, had been prompted by the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in both Katherine and Robinson River.

The NT government website said 94 per cent of Territorians aged 16 and over had received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, with 81 per cent double dosed.

Vaccination rates in some remote communities were below 10 per cent. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP)

Robinson River, about 800km southeast of Katherine, is grappling with the threat of the virus, with the remote Aboriginal community recording five new cases on Wednesday.

At the beginning of the week, 87 per cent of over 16s had received their first dose of the vaccine and 77 per cent of the eligible population was fully vaccinated.

Acting chief health officer Charles Pain said the high vaccination rate was likely having a positive effect clamping down on transmission of the virus and preventing serious illness.

“That high vaccination rate is a protection to that community,” Dr Pain said.

“We know that half of all of the cases we’ve had – nine of the 19 – were fully vaccinated, were probably benefiting from it.

“If we hadn’t had that level of vaccination, we may be looking at something quite different.”

Dr Pain said one woman who had been hospitalised from the virus and required oxygen had received one dose of the vaccine, which was “probably protecting her as well”.

Across the Territory, the remote communities of Willowra, Ikuntji, Epenarra, Canteen Creek and Alpurrurulam have double vaccination rates below 10 per cent but there could be more since data for some remote communities is not shared publicly.

EARLIER: AS the Territory’s biggest Covid-19 outbreak to date grows to 19 cases, there are at least five remote communities in Central Australia with vaccination rates below 10 per cent.

Robinson River, about 800km southeast of Katherine, is grappling with the threat of the virus, with the remote Aboriginal community recording five new cases on Wednesday.

Unlike some other remote communities, Robinson River, which has a population of about 350, has a relatively high vaccination rate.

At the beginning of the week, 87 per cent of over 16s had received their first dose of the vaccine and 77 per cent of the eligible population was fully vaccinated.

Across the Territory, the remote communities of Willowra, Ikuntji, Epenarra, Canteen Creek, and Alpurrurulam have double vaccination rates below 10 per cent, however there could be more since data for some remote communities is not shared publicly.

Police have put roadblocks in place around the Katherine region. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

At least 50 of the NT’s remote communities still have vaccine uptake rates below 70 per cent.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner struck an ominous tone when addressing the media on Wednesday.

“I fear it will take lives in the Territory before the year is out,” Mr Gunner said.

“Please, please don’t let it be your life. The vaccine is your best defence.”

All of the new cases are now being flown to Darwin to stay in the Howard Springs quarantine facility.

A team of health professionals has travelled to Robinson River with additional vaccine doses.

One woman remains in a stable condition at the Royal Darwin Hospital. She is receiving oxygen but is not in intensive care.

Health authorities are requiring anyone who has been in Robinson River since November 11 or in Katherine since November 7 to get tested and self-isolate.