NT Health rushes to reassure Territorians about ‘very strict’ protocols at Howard Springs quarantine facility
THE NT Department of Health has reassured Territorians that strict protocols are in place for staff at the Howard Springs and Alice Springs quarantine facilities after it emerged that a COVID-19 cluster in Adelaide likely started from a worker at a medi-hotel.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- ‘It could happen here too’: Chief Health Officer, Chief Minister warn Territorians not to be complacent
- Adelaide-Darwin travellers told midair they’ll have to quarantine, as the NT reintroduces border restrictions for SA
- NT brings in mandatory quarantine for travellers from South Australia residents after cluster outbreak
THE NT Department of Health has reassured Territorians that strict protocols are in place for staff at the Howard Springs and Alice Springs quarantine facilities after it emerged that a COVID-19 cluster in Adelaide likely started from a worker at a medi-hotel.
A spokeswoman from NT Health said both the Alice Springs and Howard Springs quarantine facilities had “very strict infection control measures in place to protect the health of staff, contractors and the people undertaking quarantine”.
MORE COVID-19 NEWS
Northern Territory to reopen borders to Melbourne in two weeks
Strict public health measures prevented a COVID-19 outbreak in the NT, according to a new report
NT travellers flock to WA as hard border restrictions finally ease
“All staff working at Northern Territory Government quarantine facilities are required to undertake PPE Training as part of their induction and complete a refresher training course every two weeks,” she said.
“All people entering the Howard Springs quarantine facility are required to have their temperature checked upon arrival.
“All health professionals travelling to the Northern Territory from interstate are required to undergo a COVID-19 test before commencing work.”
Australian Medical Association NT President Robert Parker said the South Australian outbreak was a reminder of “how dangerous this virus is”.
OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1
“We’ve been very lucky, we’ve had such a good response in Australia that we have become a bit complacent,” Dr Parker said.
However, he said there was less chance of a breakout from Howard Springs because of the “more rigorous protocols AUSMAT are employing”.
Watch: Dog squad takes down alleged car thief
The dog squad has tracked down and caught a man who allegedly stole a car and was carrying ammo. SEE THE VIDEO.
Man charged with murder of Katherine woman put on suicide watch
A man arrested after allegedly murdering his 22-year-old partner has been put on a high risk watch list in Darwin Correctional Centre.