Nine new Covid-19 cases recorded in Binjari, near Katherine

Nine new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in an Aboriginal community near Katherine.

NINE cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the Aboriginal community of Binjari, near Katherine.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced the results were returned on Saturday evening.

He had said on Saturday morning that all 230 residents had been tested on Friday, all returning negative but the wastewater results for the area were a firm positive.

In response, the community will go into a hard lockdown. Neighbouring community Rockhole, with a population of about 130, will also go into lockdown. Additional staffers will join the Rapid Assessment Team in Binjari.

The cases are: 31-year-old man who is a known close contact, a 39-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy and a 78-year-old woman who reported to Katherine Hospital with symptoms and is being transferred to Royal Darwin Hospital. A 23-year-old woman tested positive, an 18-year-old man, a 45-year-old man, a 21-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman.

“Binjari is within the current lockdown area for Katherine. But as a result of the number of cases and the mingling that has occurred in the community, we tonight made the decision for Binjari – and neighbouring community Rockhole – to enter into a hard lockdown,” Mr Gunner said on social media.

The Binjari community, just west of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Picture: Justin Kennedy

“This means that residents must remain in their home and within their yard and only leave for medical reasons or in case of an emergency.”

Mr Gunner said contact tracing and other necessary work was underway. Food and essential items were provided to community members on Saturday night.

Originally published as Nine new Covid-19 cases recorded in Binjari, near Katherine