Federal Health Minister says no reason for state and territory borders to stay closed

FEDERAL Health Minister Greg Hunt says there is no medical reason for the NT’s borders to remain closed, as pressure mounts within the Territory to set a date to reopen

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says there is no medical reason for state and territory borders to remain closed, as pressure mounts within the Northern Territory to set a date to reopen. Picture: Rohan Thomson/Getty Images

FEDERAL Health Minister Greg Hunt says there is no medical reason for state and territory borders to remain closed, as pressure mounts within the Northern Territory to set a date to reopen.

Mr Hunt has told the Herald Sun newspaper that no Commonwealth body had recommended the move to shut down state borders, in response to growing calls nation wide for interstate travel to be allowed to bolster economies.

“At this point, there’ve been no Commonwealth recommendations in favour, there’ve been no National Cabinet recommendations in favour and there has been no medical expert panels in favour of state border closures,” he said.

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“The National Cabinet three-step plan for recovery also included the progressive restriction- the progressive movement and lifting of state border restrictions.”

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner will soon update what the “new normal” will look like in June.

Thus far, biosecurity zone restrictions and businesses including casinos, bars and nightclubs, cinemas, laser and cosmetics and tattoo parlours, will all be allowed to reopen on June 5.

Spot and recreation events will also be allowed form June 5.

Family visits to the Darwin Correctional Centre resume today.