NT childcare centres to receive government grants to help fund COVID-19 safety measures, as only three active coronavirus cases remain in the Territory
TERRITORY childcare and daycare centres will be able to access grants worth up to $10,000, as the NT Government dips into the education budget to help the sector adapt to the ‘new normal’.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
TERRITORY childcare and daycare centres will be able to access grants worth up to $10,000, as the NT Government dips into the education budget to help the sector adapt to the “new normal”.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles today announced $450,000 from the Department of Education’s existing budget will go toward providing grants to childcare, family day care and after school care centres to help pay for cleaning supplies and other coronavirus safety related resources.
It comes as the NT logged another day of zero new coronavirus cases.
MORE NT CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Chief Minister Michael Gunner sends NT COVID-19 exit plan to New Zealand Prime Minister
Home Improvement Scheme delays ‘hurting businesses’
They are all being cared for by the Top End Health Service, though where exactly was not specified.
Nationwide, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed 66 people with COVID-19 are in hospitals across Australia, including 27 in ICU and 18 on ventilators.
Ms Fyles, revealing the NT has the third highest rate of coronavirus testing per capita in the nation, also announced ten out of 28 Federal Government funded “point of care” testing stations would be based in the NT.
The testing stations, developed so people can be swabbed for coronavirus in remote locations and receive their results within hours, will be based out of isolated areas including Yuendumu and Borroloola.
Increased testing is a one the pillars in the NT Government’s coronavirus restriction easing “test, trace and trap” plan. Just nine days remain until pubs, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen in the NT, with restrictions.
Full access to our journalism – just $1 for the first 28 days
Ms Fyles said more than 150 businesses had already submitted their COVID-19 safety management plans with the government.
But she warned Territorians to remain hyper vigilant, as without a cure or vaccine for the virus, the community remains one case away from a deadly cluster or sparking community transmission.
Watch now: NTFL Round 16 Saints v PINT women
The PINT women are flying high still undefeated, but is this the game where second placed St Mary’s finally get one over them? Watch the match LIVE here from 12.30pm.
Olive branch between insurer, private hospital operator to save patients cash
A healthcare feud which affected more than 50,000 Territorians has ended with a temporary agreement that will help keep private health in the Territory ‘affordable’. Find out more.