$2500 mandatory quarantine scrapped, people allowed to self-quarantine

From today, people arriving in the NT from interstate will be able to self-isolate in a place of their choosing as the Government scraps the $2500 forced quarantine

A Public Health environmental health officer, NT Police officer and an Australian Defence Force member check in on those self isolating to ensure they are following quarantine regulations. PICTURE: Will Zwar

From today, people arriving in the NT from interstate will be able to self-isolate in a place of their choosing as the Government scraps the $2500 forced quarantine.

The relaxed restrictions mean those who couldn’t afford the hefty bill, and families with kids and loved ones stuck interstate, can now come home.

Police are not expecting an influx of people travelling into the NT by road in the coming days but a strong police presence will remain at the borders.

People in self-isolation will continue to the monitored with extra cops undertaking this role to manage the change in quarantine requirements.

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A police spokeswoman warned that those found flouting COVID-19 regulations would face the consequences.

“Where police observe people flagrantly disobeying the Chief Health Officers Directions or behaving in a manner that increases the risk to public safety then they will take action, which may include advice, caution, infringement notice or if required arrest,” the spokeswoman said.

The new changes will not apply to international travellers including those who transit through another state.

They are required to undertake a Government-mandated and supervised hotel quarantine.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the decision to ease the restrictions was to bring families together.

“I know it’s been really hard for parents who have kids interstate. This was for them, to bring their kids home for the holidays,” Mr Gunner said.

“But we also expect some tourists to want to do the quarantine time and start coming back which is great news.”

Interstate Arrivals will be tested for COVID-19 in the first 72 hours of their quarantine, and retested in the final 72 hours.

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Grey Nomads Roger and Sue Green were stranded at Robbie Robbins Reserve in April unable to visit their grandchild in Gove.

Robbie Robbins Reserve manager Sonja Allen said while she hadn’t seen an increase in people looking to complete their quarantine, there had been an increase in people booking for August.

She said business was down about 90 per cent on a typical dry season.

“It is concerning we only have those few short months to make it our season and that would be the same with tourism.

“We rely on it to get by until the next season.”