NT coronavirus testing rate hits all time high as restrictions due to ease

THE NT has notched its highest rate of coronavirus testing since the start of the pandemic, with the number of samples processed in labs hitting nearly 1000 in a week.

THE NT has notched its highest rate of coronavirus testing since the start of the pandemic, with the number of samples processed in labs hitting nearly 1000 in a week.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles today revealed 950 tests had been conducted last week, which she said was an “important” milestone as the NT prepared to loosen restrictions further on Friday.

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But as Territorians are able to again play contact team sport and sit at the pub for as long as you want without having a bowl of chips, Ms Fyles warned physical distancing measures like elbow-bumping instead of handshakes would be here to stay.

“It’s the physical distancing, the hygiene that’s going to be there for a long time to come,” she said.

Ms Fyles also indicated it is unlikely cinemas and entertainment centres will be able to fill up to capacity in the near future, saying it was a watch and see situation as there remains no cure or vaccine for coronavirus.

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As of 8am today, a total of 8220 COVID-19 tests had been conducted in the NT.

A total of 372 people were in forced quarantine, police had conducted 12,919 compliance checks and had issued 62 fines.