Chief Health Officer makes it mandatory to wear face masks in the Northern Territory

FACE masks will become compulsory in all major NT airports from midnight on Wednesday

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FACE masks will become compulsory in all major NT airport from midnight on Wednesday.

Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie introduced new directions on Tuesday morning, including making face masks mandatory at Darwin, Alice Springs, Yulara, Gove and Groote Eylandt airports as well as while on board an aircraft.

Children under the age of 12 and people with a specified medical condition are not required to wear a mask.

It is the responsibility of individuals to supply their own masks.

Under the new directions, international and domestic air crew are now required to have a COVID-19 test on arrival into the Northern Territory if they have not had a test in Australia in the previous seven days.

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International air crew will only be able to travel from the Northern Territory to another state or territory on board a freight flight or private charter.

They will not be allowed to travel on domestic commercial flights unless they have completed 14 days of quarantine and returned a negative test.

Dr Heggie said the new directions were about increasing the NT’s defence against COVID-19 and protecting the health and safety of Territorians.

“Australia has managed the COVID-19 response exceptionally well and it is important that we implement these added safety measures to further strengthen our international borders and enhance domestic travel processes,” he said.

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“Wearing masks in Northern Territory airports and while on-board aircraft will provide an extra layer of protection.

“Mask wearing is proven to be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, particularly when physical distancing can’t be applied.

“I encourage Territorians to purchase a mask if you don’t already have one.

“Wearing a mask might take some time to get used to but it is important that we take the steps required to protect our community.

“We want to make sure that we have as little vulnerability and risk as possible.

The COVID-19 vaccine will provide a critical protection mechanism but in the meantime we need to apply stringent checks to reduce any risks and strengthen our defence.”

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