Katherine locals, tourists do their bit and get tested after Covid case was infectious in the town

Tourists and Katherine residents alike remain cautious as it was revealed the man who tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday spent most of his time infectious in the town.

TOURISTS and Katherine residents alike remain cautious after the man who tested positive on Sunday spent most of his time infectious in the town.

A line of people wanting a coronavirus test stretched from the Katherine community health care centre out onto the street on Tuesday.

Noelene Clifford and Carol Curry were in the town’s Woolworths store close to the time the Covid-19 positive man visited the supermarket.

The pair said they were following the advice from health officials. “We were both in Woolworths an hour after the positive case visited. I think we are at low risk but we followed advice to come get tested,” Ms Curry said.

Waiting for testing are Noeline Clifford and Carol Curry from Port Maquarie as Katherine goes into lockdown due to COVID 19 restrictions. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Ms Clifford said there wasn’t too much anyone could do about the situation.

“At least we’re safe and have a roof over our head,” she said.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo said it was important people remained where they were and did not travel to locked-down areas.

“This positive case was found to be at his most infectious while in the Katherine community and we need to do everything we can to stay safe,” she said.

David Dwyer taking his PPE seriously as Katherine goes into lockdown due to COVID 19 restrictions. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the NT government had been working closely with the Commonwealth government and had received 8500 extra vaccine doses.

“We have put measures in place to further accelerate the vaccine rollout so we can protect all Territorians – particularly vulnerable people living in surrounding communities,” she said. “For the Katherine community, I call on everyone who has not yet booked their vaccine to do so as soon as possible.”