Masks now compulsory at Territory airports as Brisbane and surrounds declared hotspot by NTG
Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison, chief health officer Hugh Heggie and Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy give a COVID-19 update
Northern Territory
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MASKS will now be compulsory when visiting a Territory airport.
Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the new rules would be implemented within the week but that it was time for Territorians to purchase face masks if they didn’t already own them.
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City of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay and Redland City hot spots
It comes as the NT government made Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, and Redland City hot spots.
Earlier Friday a Jetstar flight that arrived at Uluru was immediately turned around with all its passengers still on board after the NT Government declared a range of new Queensland hot spots. The flight had arrived from Brisbane.
It’s understood because there is no place for people to undertake 14 days of mandatory quarantine in Yulara, the passengers returned to Brisbane at the NT Government’s cost.
Ms Manison said there were two other flights, anticipated to arrive from Brisbane within the next couple of hours, where all passengers would be put into mandatory quarantine.
“For those people that are on those returning flights, in this instance, they will not have to pay the $2500,” she said.
Ms Manison said if passengers chose to return to Brisbane, the government would pay for their airfare.
About 600 people were anticipated to arrive in the NT today from Queensland via airports.
Those arriving by road from the new hot spots had until 12.30pm Friday to have the $2500 mandatory quarantine fee waived.
Ms Manison asked anyone who had arrived in the NT from any of the new hot spots since January 2 to self isolate and get tested.
“This is about keeping Territorians safe,” she said.
“Do the right thing by the Territory.”
Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie gave some advice on wearing face masks, given Territorians have never been required to wear them before.
“A mask that’s not worn properly, if it’s down below your nose or hanging under your chin, or worse still on your arm, is worse than no mask at all,” he said.
He said masks should be replaced every couple of hours, particularly when they become damp.
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The new hot spots come as Brisbane goes into a three-day lockdown as authorities scramble to contain the spread of the mutant UK COVID-19 strain after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Greater Brisbane, which includes the council areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands, will go into lockdown from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday.
Residents must stay at home except for four key reasons - to leave for essential work, health care, shopping and exercise in your local area.
Anyone who has visited Brisbane since January 2 and has now moved on to other parts of the state or country will also be required to quarantine for the next three days.
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