170 repatriated Aussies to arrive in Darwin on Friday
AROUND 170 Australians stranded overseas are set to touch down in Darwin to quarantine in the Howard Springs facility this Friday
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- Howard Springs facility to quarantine returning Aussies from UK, India after repatriation flights
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AROUND 170 Australians stranded overseas are set to touch down in Darwin to quarantine in the Howard Springs facility this Friday, according to NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles.
The 170 Aussies will arrive as a part of a deal brokered between the NT and Federal Governments to bring almost 2000 people from London and Dehli to Australia via Howard Springs.
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Ms Fyles said the international Qantas flights will arrive at Darwin’s RAAF base instead of through the general International Airport to ensure they remain as separate as possible from the general population.
She said international arrivals will also be housed in a separate part of the quarantine facility and not have as much access to facilities as those quarantining from domestic locations.
“People will be screened before they depart internationally. The AUSMAT team is working with Qantas and DFAT, and then they’ll be screened once they arrive into Darwin,” Ms Fyles said.
“(There are) many measures in place to keep them safe and to look after their health, but also to keep Territorians safe.”
She said the NT Government is viewing the deal as an opportunity to boost the economy, with those in quarantine being encouraged to spend time in the Territory after they leave Howard Springs.
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“Presently they’re handing out tourism brochures at Howard Springs so very much encouraging people that might not have planned to come to Darwin but have ended up here. (to stay).”
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