Australia: Northern Territory extends lockdown in Darwin, Palmerston, and Litchfield until at least 13:00 July 2 /update 26

Event

Authorities in Northern Territory have extended an existing lockdown in Darwin, Palmerston, and the Litchfield until at least 13:00 July 2 due to COVID-19 activity in the region. Residents in the affected area must remain in their homes except to attend to essential tasks; such tasks include seeking medical treatment - including coronavirus testing and vaccinations - purchasing groceries, performing essential work, or providing care for family members. Residents may also be outside for an hour of exercise provided they remain within a 5-km (3-mile) radius from their homes. Individuals leaving their homes must wear a facemask at all times. Supermarkets and liquor stores will remain open. Officials are discouraging people from traveling into or out of the impacted areas. Authorities may update or extend measures in the coming days depending on case activity.

Local Restrictions
Elsewhere in the Northern Territory, most businesses and public venues can operate, provided they implement protocols such as collecting patrons' information for contact-tracing purposes. Public events of all sizes are allowed; however, organizers of events with more than 100 participants must submit a COVID-19 safety checklist to officials. Authorities require organizers to complete a COVID-19 Event Safety Plan and receive approval from health staff for gatherings of more than 500 people. The government requires individuals at large public gatherings to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from others and limit interactions with strangers to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Domestic Border Controls
Authorities require all inbound travelers to complete a border entry form and provide a printed copy upon arrival. Additionally, anyone traveling from or who had been in a declared COVID-19 hotspot in the past 14 days must undergo up to a 14-day quarantine at government facilities in Alice Springs or Howard Springs at their own expense. Individuals who had been in a declared hotspot in the past 14 days but traveled elsewhere before entering the Northern Territory can undergo a shorter quarantine based on the number of days they have been outside the hotspot. Quarantine exemptions apply on a case-by-case basis.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Officials in Northern Territory charge most international arrivals and visitors from domestic COVID-19 hotspots for quarantine, with fees payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,500 for the first adult and AUD 5,000 for families of two or more people. The Northern Territory requires COVID-19 testing before release; people refusing testing must quarantine an additional 10 days and pay additional fees.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Northern Territory COVID-19 Information
Northern Territory Declared Hotspots
Victoria Exposure Sites
NSW COVID-19 Case Locations