Coronavirus

 
COVID UPDATE 16.08.2021
 
The NT has recorded one new case of COVID-19.
 
From midday today, Darwin, Palmerston, Darwin rural area, and Katherine will be entering lockdown from midday, till Thursday 19th August.
 
COVID HOTLINE: 1800 193 111
For more information: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/
 
 
 
UPDATE 02.07.21
 

Lockdown in Darwin and Alice Springs is set to be lifted at 1PM.

There will still be restrictions in place. They are as follows:
– Face masks must be worn when you are unable to physically distance – this includes at places like the supermarket, shops and hairdresser. Workers who come into close contact with patrons, or who work in crowded environments will need to wear a mask.
– Up to 10 people can visit your home at a time.
– Restaurants, cafes and pubs will re-open for seated service only. Patrons will be required to wear a mask when they go to the bar to order.
-Big events must have The Territory Check In QR Code system in place and be able to comply with physical distancing and mask wearing requirements.
– No contact sports. Indoor exercise including at gyms, Zumba, barre, pilates and yoga studios will remain closed.
– Places of worship will open. Masks must be worn and physical distancing applied.
– Schools, vacation care and childcare centres will open.

For information you may visit:

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

 
 
 
UPDATE 30.06.21
 

Alice Springs will enter a 72 hour lockdown from 1 PM ACST.

You are only allowed to leave your residence for the following five reasons:
– Medical treatment including coronavirus testing and vaccinations.
– To get essential goods and services
– For essential work
– For one hour exercise with one other person or members of your residence.
– To provide care to people unable to support themselves.

 

For more information:

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

 
 
 
UPDATE 29.06.21
 
  1. Lock down extension for further 72 hours. This is until Friday 2nd July, 1PM. 
  2. The Church office will remain close this week including this Friday
  3. All congregations and its properties are being advised to remain close during the lock down period
  4. All members must follow the NT Government instructions.  

COVID – 19 UPDATE

Darwin, Palmerston and the Litchfield local government area will go into a 48-hour lockdown from 1:00pm local time today (27/06/20) after the NT recorded four new coronavirus cases, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced.

You are only permitted to leave the house for five reasons.

– Medical treatment including coronavirus testing and vaccinations.

– To get essential goods and services

– For essential work

– For one hour exercise within a 5km radius of your residence.

– To provide care to people unable to support themselves.

If you are in the lockdown area, you must wear a mask if you leave your residence to do any of the 5 listed reasons.

For more information, you may call the NT COVID hotline: 1800 193 111


COVID-19 vaccination rollout phases

Eligibility Checker 

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Australian Government on which groups should be prioritised for the rollout of the  COVID-19 vaccination in Australia. This advice is consistent with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

We are currently vaccinating people in Phase 1a and Phase 1b. States and territories will begin vaccinating people in Phase 2a in May starting with all adults 50 years and over.

  • From 3 May 2021, people 50 years and over can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at General Practice Respiratory Clinics and state and territory vaccination clinics.
  • From 17 May 2021, people 50 years and over can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at a participating general practice.

Please stay up to date with information from your local state department of health.

National Cabinet has agreed that, in line with the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) the Pfizer vaccine will be prioritised for people under 50 years of age across all phases. The AstraZeneca vaccine will be prioritised for people aged 50 years and over. This will apply across all phases below
 

 

Phase 1
Quarantine and border workers, including:

  • staff at entry points to the country (such as sea ports and land borders)
  • staff working in quarantine facilities, including those employed under Commonwealth, state or private agreements, and  
  • Commonwealth employees (including Defence personnel) who are identified as having the potential to encounter returning travellers as part of their work.

Quarantine, border and front line health care workers will need to provide proof of occupation to demonstrate their eligibility.

 
Frontline health care worker sub-groups for prioritisation

  • frontline staff in facilities or services such as hospital emergency departments,COVID-19 and respiratory wards, Intensive Care Units and High-dependency Units
  • laboratory staff handling potentially infectious material
  • ambulance and paramedics service
  • GP respiratory clinics
  • COVID-19 testing facilities

Frontline health care workers who fit under one of these sub groups will need to provide proof of occupation to demonstrate their eligibility. 

 
Aged care and disability care staff, including:

  • nursing and personal care staff
  • allied health professionals who routinely provide care
  • kitchen, cleaning, laundry, garden and office staff
 
Aged care and disability care residents  
Number of doses up to 1.4m

 

Phase 1bLearn more about Phase 1b, including eligibility and evidence requirements
Healthcare workers currently employed and not included in Phase 1a  
Household contacts of quarantine and border workers  
Critical and high risk workers who are currently employed including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing  
Elderly people aged 80 years and over  
Elderly people aged 70 years and over  
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over  
Adults with an underlying medical condition or significant disability  
Number of doses up to 14.8m

 

Phase 2a 
Adults aged 50 years and over  
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18-49 years  
Other critical and high risk workers  
Number of doses up to 15.8m

 

Phase 2b 
Balance of population aged between 16-49 years  
Catch up any unvaccinated Australians from previous phases  
Number of doses up to 16m

 

Phase 3
People 16 years and under  
Number of doses up to 13.6m

More information is available on ATAGI’s advice to Government on priority population groups for COVID-19 vaccination.

These groups may change as more information becomes available

ATAGI is regularly reviewing data and evidence for vaccines. It may update its advice to government as new information becomes available.

We will update our information if there is any change to the priority groups.

Information that could change the priority groups includes:

  • further evidence about the COVID-19 disease and groups that might be affected
  • how the vaccines work and who they are safe for according to clinical trial results
  • current outbreaks, transmission and medical advice on COVID-19
  • when vaccines will be available in Australia.

MORE INFORMATION: 

Australian Government, Department of Health: 

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines?utm_source=health.gov.au&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=digital_transformation&utm_content=covid19-vaccines


What is CoVID-19?  

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection. 

What steps should you take to prevent infection? 

• Stay home from work and school if you are unwell (e.g. don’t go shopping or use public transport until you are well).

• Avoid contact with others if you are sick (particularly vulnerable people such as older persons and people with chronic medical conditions).

• If others are sick, keep your distance from them as much as possible (at least 1.5 metres), avoid close contact such as shaking hands, hugging, kissing.

• Wash hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet, blowing your nose or handling used tissues.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a clean tissue or your elbow.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or handling food, until you have washed your hands.

• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces. 

 

Helpful Links & Resources

  • Australian Government – Department of Health 

Information and resources

  • Northern Territory Government – Department of Health 

Coronavirus (CoVID-19) Updates 

  • World Health Organization 

Rolling Updates