Chief Minister Michael Gunner reveals source of cluster allegedly lied on her border entry form

The NT has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 overnight and the source of the Top End’s cluster has been found.

A 21-year-old woman, who allegedly lied on her border entry form, has been declared as the source of the Top End’s Covid-19 cluster.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced there were no new cases of Covid-19 overnight and following rigorous inquiries, revealed the third case which tested positive for Covid on Saturday was the source of the cluster.

The woman flew from Cairns to Adelaide before driving to Melbourne on October 21. She spent four days in Victoria.

She drove back to Adelaide on October 25, flew back to Cairns and flew to Darwin on October 29. It is likely the woman contracted Covid-19 while in Victoria.

“South Australian and Queensland officials are aware and we will assist them in their inquiries,” Mr Gunner said.

“These actions have put there Territory at risk. They forced Katherine into lockdown and forced Katherine businesses to shut.

“While there were compassionate reasons for her decision to visit Victoria, there were not compassionate reasons for lying to the Territory and coming here from a hotspot. She’s been issued a $5024 fine and she’ll also pay for a $2500 stay at Howard Springs.”

Mr Gunner added given all cases were known to each other, that it did not classify as community transmission.

Mr Gunner said Darwin’s lockout would be extended by 24 hours for further contact tracing and testing. From 3pm on Sunday, Katherine’s lockdown will be downgraded to a lockout and will also end in the next 24 hours.