Mobile phone tracking may be used to check travellers as new NT border restrictions take effect

PEOPLE coming to the Northern Territory could have their mobile phones tracked to ensure they comply with self-isolation requirements amid new border restrictions

A road train and its safety vehicle were the first to be stopped by NT Police at the NT/SA border after new NT entry restrictions came into effect at 4pm yesteday. Picture: Emma Murray

PEOPLE coming to the Northern Territory could have their mobile phones tracked to ensure they comply with self-isolation requirements.

The NT’s borders were closed at 4pm yesterday with all non-essential travellers now required to self-isolate for 14 days as authorities try to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Police are now considering several measures to ensure people comply with the self-isolation rules.

THE NT’s new border restrictions: We answer all your questions: PART 1

THE Northern Territory’s new border restrictions take effect: We answer all your questions - PART 2

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said people breaching the rules could be fined more than $60,000.

Asked specifically about tracking mobile phones Mr Chalker said: “We’re looking at all available options and that’s certainly something I think that people across the world have been trying to identify.

“If we can actually get understanding, compassion about what we are trying to do and people complying we shouldn’t have to go to those means.”

The NT Parliament yesterday amended the Information Act to “allow frontline staff from government organisations to collect and share personal information if necessary in relation to the public health emergency of coronavirus”.

People entering the NT will now have to fill out an arrival card, but they will be able to drive home before they self-isolate.

Mr Chalker said police would be checking in with travellers as they made the journey home and warned self-isolation rules would be strictly enforced.

AMAZING NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

“That means you cannot leave to got and get a coffee, you cannot leave to go and purchase other items, you must self-isolate and you need to make arrangements to ensure that you can maintain that self-isolation for that period,” he said.