COVID-19: All the information Territorians need to know

From talking to your children about coronavirus to how businesses can access financial support, we answer all your key questions on COVID-19 and how it affects Territorians.

A microscopic magnification of coronavirus.

From talking to your children about coronavirus to how businesses can access financial support, we answer all your key questions on COVID-19 and how it affects Territorians.

TIPS FOR FAMILIES

Talking to children about coronavirus

If a child brings up coronavirus or asks questions, it is important to acknowledge how they may be feeling and to answer questions as honestly as possible.

This will help them feel informed and understand what is happening. Also, it is important students understand the low risk of serious illness.

1. Be aware of your own behaviour

It’s important that adults understand the effect their own behaviour can have on children. If you’re visibly upset or react in a way that suggests you’re fearful, children will take their cues from you.

2. Stick to the facts

Ensure you stick to the facts. This will help keep conversations calm, considered, and constructive.

Sharing factual information should help reassure children that there is no immediate risk to themselves, their friends or their family.

3. Explain what efforts are being made to contain the virus

Authorities are responding quickly. Travel in and out of the affected areas has been restricted, and scientists are working to develop a vaccine.

4. Offer practical advice

For the time being, the easiest way to reduce the risk of being affected by viruses of any sort (including the common cold) is to practise good hygiene.

These are easy habits for children to adopt, and should help them feel as though they’re able to exert some control over their circumstances.

BUSINESS

What you should tell staff

Any staff who have travelled internationally or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) must remain isolated at home.

Instruct your workers that they must let you know if they develop symptoms during the isolation period, particularly if they have been in the workplace. Consider what exposure may have occurred within your team and whether additional precautions are required such as an increased cleaning regime and work from home arrangements.

Any employee feeling sick should not attend work. Encourage your employees to be vaccinated against preventable illnesses including influenza to reduce the strain on the health system caused by standard seasonal presentations to hospitals.

If a guest or visitor develops symptoms at your business

You should ask the guest or visitor to self-isolate and call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline: [phone].

Find out more about what you should do if you are unwell.

Refusing guests/customers if they appear to be sick. You have the right to ask visitors, guests and customers to provide information in advance about whether they have flu-like symptoms, have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) or have travelled internationally in the last 14 days.

TOURISM AND
HOSPITALITY

How tourism operators can manage cancellations

Be proactive in reaching out to existing bookings to provide them with information.

Check your current cancellation policy.

Ensure you’re clear about your refund strategy. Provide advice for new bookings.

Ask guests/customers to check their insurance policy. Notification process for tourism and hospitality operators

Public health measures are required in establishments found to have hosted a confirmed case.

The Public Health Unit will:

Liaise directly with the business.

Handle all clinical requirements for your staff and/or customers (if necessary).

Provide information for staff and management including cleaning and how to manage the issue ongoing.

Ordinarily businesses will not be named in the media unless in it is in the public’s best interest to track people down.

For case specific information call the Northern Territory (NT) coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline: [phone].

Support available for businesses

Australian Government support

The Australian Government has announced an economic response totalling $17.6 billion. The Boosting Cash Flow has now increased to up to $100,000. The original $25,000 has been doubled to $50,000, and then an additional $50,000 for eligible business. Find out more on the Australian Government’s Treasury website.

A business hotline — 13 28 46 — provides specialist advisers to support small and medium businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can find other support resources on the Australian Government’s Business website.

NT Government support

The NT Government is delivering a $65 million Jobs Rescue and Recovery Package to help stimulate the economy and keep Territorians in jobs. To find out more, go to the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation website. The government has a range of programs that support local businesses, including those impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

Small business champions

The Department of Trade, Business and Innovation’s Small Business Champions team are on the ground to meet with businesses and provide support as required. Contact the Small Business Champions team on 1800 193 111.

Business Enterprise Centre

The Business Enterprise Centre NT assists businesses in developing sound business strategies to meet their business needs. Practical business advice is provided for free and covers business planning, strategic market development, technology adoption and enhancement, financial management practices, human resource management and business health diagnostics. Contact the Business Enterprise Centre on 1800 229 500.

Tourism support for NT businesses

Partnering with the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation and the Business Enterprise Centre NT, Tourism NT has developed an intensive business support program for those tourism businesses that are suffering financial hardship due to immediate booking cancellations. This intensive business support program will be provided to relevant tourism businesses through pre-qualified consultants skilled in delivering this type of business support.

Find out more on the Business Enterprise Centre NT website.

RETURN TO COMMUNITY

If you want to return to your community, contact the Return to Country office (located next to Centrelink Casuarina) on 08 8945 5211 or 1800 290 659. You can also talk to any of the Larrakia Patrols. Travel will be arranged by Larrakia Nation staff. There will be no cost to you if you usually live in your community. We are taking additional measures to protect your community from coronavirus (COVID-19). You are less likely to catch it in your community.

If you remain in Darwin and are diagnosed with the virus, you may not be able to travel and may be placed in isolation (no contact with other people).

TRAVEL TO COMMUNITIES

Remote communities in the Northern Territory are only open to essential travel in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Essential travel in this case is defined as only the functions that are necessary to keep the community operating.

For example, doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and council workers will not be affected by the ban. Deliveries to remote communities by barge, road or air are generally considered essential services at this stage. Do not transport passengers to and from remote communities without receiving prior advice. The following communities have requested that those who have travelled interstate self-isolate for the 14 days prior to returning (parents/communities will need to make these arrangements):

Gunbalanya

Santa Teresa

Canteen Creek

Milingimbi (TBC)

Tangentyere is now also offering a free service to help people get back to their communities (return to country).

ANIMAL OWNERS

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has not been reported in domestic animals or wildlife in Australia. There is no evidence the virus can be transmitted from animals to people, or from animals to other animals.

There is no evidence that animals can become sick from coronavirus (COVID-19).

What you should do

Continue to follow general good hygiene and biosecurity practices when handling animals. There is no vaccine available for animals which provides protection against coronavirus (COVID-19). If your animal becomes sick, contact your veterinarian for advice. If you are quarantined or diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19):

Minimise contact with pets and other animals while you are in quarantine or sick, just as you would for people. Where possible, arrange for someone else to mind your pets.

If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are in quarantine or sick, you should:

Minimise contact with animals

Wash your hands before and after handling animals

Avoid kissing, being licked by, or sharing food with your animals

Prevent your animals from interacting with other people.

At this stage, there is no need to test animals for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Follow any further directions by human and animal health authorities.

TRAVEL

DOMESTIC

There are border controls in place for all arrivals to the Territory starting 4pm Tuesday 24 March. You should reconsider all non-essential travel. If you must travel then you should only do so if you feel well.

If you are flying, you should contact your airline to check the status of your flights.

When flying, you should practise good hygiene to slow the spread. Only essential travel is allowed to remote communities in the Northern Territory.

INTERNATIONAL

There are significant restrictions on who can travel to Australia. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you and your immediate family members can return to Australia. Self-isolation processes will apply. Find out more on the Australian Government’s Home Affairs website.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Drivers of public transport, including taxis, rideshare services and buses, are advised there is a universal precautionary self-isolation requirement of 14 days for all international arrivals.

This requirement will stay in place until further notice. Individuals arriving from overseas countries are screened at the airport by health professionals. Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms is referred for testing. Only individuals who are well are permitted to continue their journey home.

* Drivers of point to point vehicles should carry out good hygiene practices to protect themselves and passengers from the spread of illness.

* Employ appropriate cleaning practices at the end of each ride, shift or day (for buses), as part of good hygiene practice.

* Wash hands often with soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser between hand washes and after opening and closing doors, moving luggage and exchanging payment.

*In the event of a passenger spreading droplets (such as sneezing, coughing or vomiting), clean surfaces with appropriate disinfectant wipes so that the potential spread of infection can be minimised.