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People released from quarantine after controversial Adelaide cluster

THERE were mixed emotions as people forced into quarantine in the Territory after arriving from greater Adelaide were released. SEE WHAT THEY SAID HERE

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THERE were mixed emotions of anger and excitement as people forced into quarantine in the Territory after arriving from greater Adelaide were released on Saturday.

The Northern Territory slammed its borders shut to South Australia on Monday following a COVID-19 outbreak.

The announcement, made by Chief Minister Michael Gunner on Monday morning, forced people flying into the Territory on that day and Tuesday to make the quick decision to quarantine free-of-charge or return to South Australia.

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The hotspot declaration was later reduced to greater Adelaide, and revoked entirely this morning after bombshell revelations a man infected with coronavirus in Adelaide had lied to contract tracers.

People in quarantine in the Territory were free to leave this morning, provided they tested negative to COVID-19 and did not showing symptoms.

Geoffrey Watson leaves Howard Springs quarantine facility after the NT Government removed SA as a hot spot. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Geoffrey Watson leaves Howard Springs quarantine facility after the NT Government removed SA as a hot spot. Picture: Glenn Campbell
From leeft, Carla Muir, Joe Edwards, and Ella Worthington leave Howard Springs quarantine facility after the NT Government removed SA as a hot spot. Picture: Glenn Campbell
From leeft, Carla Muir, Joe Edwards, and Ella Worthington leave Howard Springs quarantine facility after the NT Government removed SA as a hot spot. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It was a mad rush on Saturday morning as dozens of cars and taxis flocked to Howard Springs on Saturday morning to pick up loved ones and friends.

Chris, who did not want to give his surname, was fuming as he left Howard Springs.

“I’m annoyed, it should never have happened,” he said.

“The fact that 30 minutes out from landing we get told we’re going into detention, that’s very annoying.

“They could have done it much better. Home isolation would have been much better.”

On his heels was Tim Burrow who described the experience as “unreasonable detention".

He said if this were to occur again, there needed to be “less panic”.

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Carla Muir, Jo Edwards and Ella Worthington whooped with delight as they were picked up by taxi.

“We’re happy to be out,” said Ms Muir.

Geoffrey Watson beamed as he was driven out, and was “ecstatic” to be leaving.

“It’s great to get home,” he said. “It wasn’t too bad overall, it was decent.”

Following this Jetstar added three return flights between Darwin and Adelaide for the rest of November.

These additional return flights will operate with Airbus A320, which has a 186 seat capacity, on November 23, 25 and 30.

From December onwards, Jetstar will increase its weekly return flights between Darwin and Adelaide from two per week, to five services per week.

raphaella.saroukos@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/people-released-from-quarantine-after-controversial-adelaide-cluster/news-story/d0491783338887c187f534d848b58dcf