The Northern Territory’s new border restrictions take effect: We answer all your questions - PART 2

THE NT’s historic new border restrictions have taken effect and you, our readers, have had plenty of questions about them. We answer dozens of them here in Parts 1 and 2 of our Mega Q&A

Chief Minister Michael Gunner addresses the media regarding the closure of the Northern Territory's borders due to the threat of coronavirus. Picture: Che Chorley

The NT’s borders have now been closed since 4pm yesterday, meaning everyone who arrives in the Territory must be quarantined for 14 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus, except for special exemptions.

It has been a complicated process and your questions have kept coming. Here, we continue answering your questions about what the strict new measures mean for you in PART 2 of our Mega Q and A.

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The NT’s new border restrictions: We answer all your questions: PART1

Q1. Can people in caravans isolate in their vans?.

They can if they declare where their end point is (i.e. Darwin, Alice Springs) and demonstrate that they can appropriately isolate there (i.e. do they have food or bathroom access?). If not, they would have to book accommodation.

The time spent travelling to your destination is counted towards the isolation, but it’s okay as long as you exercise appropriate measures. For example, you can stop for fuel but you can’t hang around shopping centres on the way.

Q2. What about sending or receiving parcels or mail from interstate? Will these be affected?

Australia Post remains fully operational around the country.

Q3. My husband has been working interstate. He is trying to get out of there ASAP to return home. How will he go crossing into the NT when home is nearly two days’ drive from the border? We are well aware he has to self-isolate and he is resigned to the fact he may have to sleep in his vehicle. Will this be the case?

No, he won’t have to sleep in his car. Just like you are allowed to isolate in a hotel for 14 days, he can for a night or two. But, once again, he will have to adhere to all of the appropriate isolation measures and have as little contact as possible with community members along the way.

The new signs at the NT/SA border advising of the new restrictions on entering the Territory. Picture: Emma Murray

Q4. How are people travelling to their self-isolation destination when they arrive here by plane or sea? Will they be allowed to catch taxis or Ubers before self-isolating? If so, isn’t this an unacceptable risk for the drivers and people who get into those vehicles after that possibly infected traveller?

It is preferable that you take private transport to your final destination for isolation. However, if you do have to take a cab or taxi, practice proper precautions i.e. sitting in the back seat, wearing a mask.

Mobile phone tracking paln to check NT border crossers

Q5. I have a flight booked to travel home to NT after the border rules change. Where do I self-isolate when I get back as all my family are at home? I can’t afford a hotel.

The Manigurr-aarr village in Howard Springs has been opened to house people who can’t isolate at home for a number of reasons.

Q6. I live on a cattle station about 120km south of the NT border. If I want to go to Alice Springs for shopping/doctor/school over there do I have to self-isolate for 14 days?

You can apply for an exemption here based on the fact that you live close to the border.

Q7. What about the people arriving in the NT by The Ghan? How will we enforce self-isolation rules for them when they are travelling in close contact with so many other passengers?

The Ghan service has been suspended.

Q8. What happens with travellers who cross the SA or Qld borders by vehicle who say they plan to self-isolate in Darwin. That’s at least a two day drive. They’ll be coming into contact with lots of people (e.g. service stations, roadhouses, hotels, motel staff) well before they ever get to self-isolate.

See question three – you are allowed to travel to your final destination as long as you are practising proper precautions along the way.

Q9. If I am coming to the NT for non-essential purposes will I be turned away?

A: No you will not be turned away. Non-essential travel is discouraged though.

Q10. Tasmania and Queensland announced yesterday that they will turn away all non-essential travellers. But the NT says it will not turn away non-essential travellers, instead trusting them to self-isolate for 14 days. Shouldn’t we be enforcing the same tough restrictions as Tasmania and Queensland, and if not, why not?

A spokesperson for Chief Minister Michael Gunner said: “The Chief Minister has been clear he will do whatever it takes to protect Territorians. If people can’t show they will also do whatever it takes, and isolate for 14 days, they will be turned away. It’s as simple as that.

This isn’t based on trust – this is enforced by police with big fines if anyone does the wrong thing. If we need to do more, we will do more. We’ll do whatever it takes.”

Q11. Do we have any clear idea of how police may monitor those who come across the border and are required to self-isolate?

Arrival cards will need to be completed by everyone arriving in the NT and they will need to provide details of where they will self-quarantine.

Q12. Will I be tested for coronavirus at the border?

No, medical checks are available, but at this stage they are voluntary. The check does not test for coronavirus, but is for those concerned they be feeling unwell.

Q13. How will the NT borders be monitored when they are closed?

NT Police are setting up checkpoints on the main highways – Victoria, Stuart and Barkly – on or near the three borders with the Territory.

Q14. Which roads will be manned?

See above. Other roads into the Territory will be monitored using technology.

Q15. How many people will be involved?

NT Police will provide resources for a 24-hour presence. The efforts to keep Northern Territorians safe from COVID-19 will include support from the Australian Defence Force.

Q16. Will it include defence, the AFP and other law enforcement groups?

Defence will have small teams operating in a support capacity on major roads. The ADF’s role will be to set up camps at the checkpoints and also provide medical assistance to conduct checks of people entering the Northern Territory. These checkpoints will be established by 4pm, Tuesday March 24. The AFP and ABF will also provide assistance at airports and sea ports.