Dili travellers complete NT’s first 14-day enforced hotel quarantine stint
AUSTRALIA'S first group of international arrivals to be forced into a mandatory 14-day quarantine period will walk free from their Darwin hotel today
Northern Territory
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AUSTRALIA'S first group of international arrivals to be forced into hotel quarantine in Darwin will be released today.
Sixteen passengers from TL513 from Dili were put into 14-day quarantine at the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort on March 28.
The group was placed into individual hotel rooms and underwent regular monitoring for any health concerns.
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There were no reports of any of the travellers needing emergency medical assistance.
Upon check-out today the passengers will receive a letter from the NT Government thanking them for their compliance.
“Thank you for your co-operation to undertake mandatory quarantine in the Northern Territory,” the letter read.
“Your contribution to protecting the health and safety of Territorians and preventing the spread of COVID-19 is appreciated.
“Through working together and following the advice of the Australian and Northern Territory Governments, you have limited the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”
Any of the passengers who live in the Territory will be allowed to go home using whatever transport they choose.
People going to remote areas must ensure they're permitted to travel to a community as an essential worker or a community member.
Those travelling to their home interstate are advised to check quarantine measures in other states or territories first.
Today’s released group did not have to pay for their stay, but did have to cover costs outside authorised accommodation and meals.
On April 3 the NT Government began enforcing a pay-your-way quarantine period, with all arrivals forced to pay for mandatory hotel quarantine themselves at a cost of $2500.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles was thrilled the group had a smooth quarantine period.
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“We made an early decision to quarantine all travellers arriving to the NT and it’s paying off,” she said.
“These international travellers from Dili are safe and well, and we thank them for doing the right thing by all Territorians.
“These measures are about saving lives. We remain ahead of the game and that’s where we intend to stay.”
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