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NT still expected to lift Sydney’s COVID hotspot status this Friday despite new cases

THE NT is still expected to remove Sydney as a COVID-19 hotspot this Friday despite the city recording three new cases of community transmission overnight, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

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THE NT is still expected to remove Sydney as a COVID-19 hotspot this Friday despite the city recording three new cases of community transmission overnight, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

The three new coronavirus cases, which were diagnosed in Sydney overnight, appear to be unconnected.

The locally acquired cases are located in the Parramatta, Camden and Wollondilly local government areas.

Two weeks ago Mr Gunner announced the NT would remove Greater Sydney’s status as a hotspot this Friday, subject to public health advice.

He confirmed today that the hotspot would still be removed on Friday as planned, despite the recent positive cases.

Health Department workers screen interstate arrivals to the NT at Darwin International Airport. Picture: Che Chorley
Health Department workers screen interstate arrivals to the NT at Darwin International Airport. Picture: Che Chorley

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“At this stage, I’ve not received any advice opposed to the opening,” he said.

“I’ll talk to the Chief Health Officer prior to the hot spots lifting but at this stage all the advice shown to me is that we’re comfortable with what’s happening in Sydney.

“They’ve had a superb suppression strategy for a very long time and great contact tracing.

“We’re relying on that, essentially, and their proven ability that if there is a case they trace it quick.”

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It comes after Deputy Chief Health Officer Charles Pain recently urged Territorians to wear face masks in busy public spaces.

natasha.emeck@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/politics/nt-still-expected-to-lift-sydneys-covid-hotspot-status-this-friday-despite-new-cases/news-story/514e27609ff5649497582dcbf16be1ec