Katherine businesses frustrated but compliant, hopeful for Thursday lockdown end

Business owners in Katherine are frustrated but compliant with rules and remain hopeful lockdown will lift on Thursday.

BUSINESS owners in Katherine are frustrated but compliant with rules and remain hopeful the three-day lockdown will lift on Thursday.

Every business that is not considered an essential service is closed, the main street is empty and the town is feeling the loss of business.

Top News newsagency owner Brett Stephenson said the lockdown took a lot of income from businesses in town.

“It’s like having a big long weekend, except not as much income but it will all come back,” Mr Stephenson said.

Bottleshops remain open because they are considered an essential service.

Stuart Hotel Bottlo manager Terri-Lee Grills said when the lockdown was first announced the shop was busy but had since quietened down.

“We’re an essential service so we’ve stayed open. We took the steps that needed to be implemented straight away,” Ms Grills said.

Bottlo manager Terri -Lee Grills as Katherine goes into lockdown due to COVID 19 restrictions. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Katherine businesses are eagerly awaiting results from Covid tests over the next few days as residents continue to abide by the strict guidelines of wearing masks, social distancing and staying at home.

Scenic flight tour pilot Matthew De Veer’s job has temporarily ceased.

“Work has shut down for now but the ongoing effects, whether tourism picks up straight away afterwards, we’ll just wait and see, I guess,” Mr De Veer said.

“Business has been going pretty good up until now, hopefully it’s short and sweet and we’re all good.”

Usually on a beautiful sunny August day in Katherine, you would find people sprawled across town enjoying local businesses but instead Katherine is desolate with little movement through town and at popular tourist spots.

Remote community worker Terry Williams was sent back to Katherine to be tested.

“I have to get tested and test negative to be allowed to go back,” Mr Williams said.

Terry Williams as Katherine goes into lockdown due to COVID 19 restrictions. Picture: Glenn Campbell