Australia’s Deputy CMO praise shows it’s time to slowly start restoring our way of life

IT HAS been 2½ weeks since the NT recorded a new case of coronavirus. Chief Minister Michael Gunner should listen to the praise of Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, for what the NT has already managed to achieve ahead of the rest of the country and take that as a good sign that we can be the first to ease restrictions

Chief Minister Michael Gunner should listen to the praise of Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, for what the NT has already managed to achieve ahead of the rest of the country and take that as a good sign that we can be the first to ease restrictions. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

IT HAS been 2½ weeks since the NT recorded a new case of coronavirus.

No other jurisdiction in the country has come close.

So it is no wonder Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, says the NT is in an “enviable position” right now in the fight against COVID-19.

Thanks to continued low numbers of new confirmed cases of coronavirus across
the country, the Federal Government will soon consider easing strict social distancing measures in three weeks time.

MORE TOP STORIES

Attorney-General defends decision to bypass debate

Government rules out expanding tradie scheme again

Alleged Darwin gunman Ben Hoffman to run ‘mental impairment’ defence

However, NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner has been urging Territorians to remain patient.

He previously warned people not to get their hopes up about lifting restrictions despite the
NT having the lowest rate of coronavirus infections in the country.

“This is like the grand final. We are only at halftime,” Mr Gunner said.

“We are in front but it’s far from over and it’s far too early to start celebrating.”

But after a very tough few months in lockdown, Territorians are in need of some hope right now.

Full access to our journalism – just $1 for the first 28 days

Mr Gunner should listen to Prof Kelly’s praise for what the NT has already managed to achieve ahead of the rest of the country and take that as a good sign that we can be the first to ease restrictions.

The majority of Territorians have demonstrated over the recent weeks that we can be trusted to be sensible and do the right thing, even without certain restrictions.

It’s time to slowly start restoring Territorians’ way of life.