Keep NT borders closed if it means going backwards and enforcing masks, social distancing
THE confusion is real. To wear a mask or not wear a mask. To social distance or not social distance.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- NT still set to remove Sydney’s COVID-19 hotspot status on Friday
- If progress continues regional Victorians will soon be allowed to NT
THE confusion is real.
To wear a mask or not wear a mask.
To social distance or not social distance.
There are whispers that social distancing will be re-enforced and Territorians will be asked to wear a mask in circumstances where social distancing is near impossible, like live music events.
All as a precaution as more interstate travellers are allowed to cross our borders, without mandatory quarantining, to enjoy a slice of our freedom.
Does that still make the Northern Territory the safest place in Australia?
Deputy Chief Health Officer Charles Pain advised on Monday that with the opening of the borders to more parts of the country during the week, Territorians would need to be more vigilant and consider wearing face masks.
OTHER DENISE CAHILL OPINIONS
Resistance to change East Point booze curfew to 7pm is a slap in the face to police
Pool fences need to be compulsory in the NT, including in rural areas, to save young lives
Debt-ridden NT must be included in the effort to repatriate stranded Aussies
“What we want people to do is we want them to have a mask, that’s the first thing, and the second thing is if they can’t keep their physical distance at one and a half metres, for example, in a supermarket … have your mask and put it on,” Dr Pain said.
“We would actually like to encourage that behaviour, it gets us ready for the next possible phase of this if there is an outbreak.”
Dr Pain also flagged the potential for stricter social distancing measures in Territory pubs and clubs after events like the crowded Rebound festival the previous weekend.
“I have to say we are watching that closely and concerned about it. We’re working with partners in the in the industry, pubs and clubs and so on,” he said.
This is more out of the blue than the NT Government quietly removing powers for people to be fined for flouting social distance rules.On June 12, the NT Government published a ‘Revocation of Directions for Physical Distancing’ announcing that police no longer have authority to fine people who do not adhere to social distancing, such as keeping 1.5m apart at all times.
Live music events and festivals that performers have enjoyed just as much as audience members in the Northern Territory would not have gone ahead if social distancing was still being enforced.
Pubs and clubs continue to recommend social distancing with signs but punters are largely relaxed about keeping their distance.
Territorians and visitors alike have enjoyed the most relaxed lifestyle in the country during these coronavirus times.
There are little to no restrictions in the Northern Territory.
LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks
That is largely because every coronavirus case recorded in the Territory was hospitalised until they returned two negative tests.
They were not recovering in the community risking the safety of other people.
If there is a fear among our top medical advisors that opening the borders to particular states like New South Wales and regional Victoria will spark a second wave, keep them out.
If opening borders means going back to strict social distancing rules, no live music events, restricted numbers in pubs, clubs and restaurants, and enforcing the wearing or carrying of masks, keep them closed.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner has pledged before, during and after the election to keep Territorians safe.
Mr Gunner, keep us safe from the virus by locking it out, not by enforcing rules and restrictions we’ve largely been able to avoid because of the Territory’s approach to the virus.
I agree, Territorians are the luckiest people in the country, possibly the world and let’s keep it that way.
Denise Cahill is the Head of News at the NT News
A year since October 7, what has happened to Australia?
As protests around the world mark a year since the October 7 attack on Israel, US correspondent Tom Minear says he does not recognise how Australia has changed since then.
‘Liberate our kids’: Why Aussie mum wants social media age limit
An Aussie mum whose daughter suffered from an eating disorder is concerned the pressure young people feel to present a perfect image online is dragging them further into a deep pit of anxiety.