Friday 11 November signifies the end of CHO directions regarding mask wearing and reporting.

As we are now living with COVID-19, Territorians are encouraged to keep practising the COVID safe behaviours we know work to limit the spread and protect our community.

While it is no longer mandatory, Territorians are strongly encouraged to test for COVID-19 when feeling unwell or showing symptoms to limit the spread of infection. People who test positive to COVID-19 should continue to register their result using the online declaration form. This will help people who are more at risk of becoming seriously ill to access support, including anti-viral treatments which are most effective when taken within five days of symptoms first starting.

Face masks remain an important way to help reduce the risk of COVID-19. Although not mandatory, mask wearing is still recommended in indoor and outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible.

Some businesses and high-risk settings may require staff and visitors to wear face masks as part of their workplace health and safety practices.

At this time, NT Health hospitals and health care facilities require everyone to continue to wear masks.

Changes to public health measures are a timely reminder for Territorians to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations to make sure they have the best protection, particularly with COVID-19 cases on the rise as other states and territories experiencing another wave.

A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is available for all Territorians aged 30 years and over at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, respiratory clinics, urban and remote health clinics and Aboriginal health clinics.

For COVID-19 information and updates visit health.nt.gov.au/covid-19.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“As we are now living with COVID-19, Territorians are encouraged to keep practising the COVID safe behaviours we know work to limit the spread and protect our community.

“It has been a trying two years but the Territory is resilient. I thank all our frontline workers from hour health staff, to police, our teachers, and essential workers, without you we wouldn’t have been able to manage this pandemic.

“Just because the COVID measures are ending doesn’t mean we stop being vigilant. It is still important that we stay home if we are unwell, practise personal hygiene, and stay up to date with vaccinations.”

Quotes attributed to Dr Jacqueline Murdoch, Acting Chief Health Officer, NT Health:

“Over the past year, Territorians have learned that simple measures including staying home and wearing masks can help us protect one another from COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is a virus that will continue to come in waves and circulate in the community. Following an increase in case numbers around Australia, we have indications that a wave is coming now. I encourage everyone to continue practising the COVID-safe behaviours that we know work to limit the spread of infection.

“While it is no longer a requirement to register the result of a positive Rapid Antigen Test, it’s strongly recommended that you continue test if you’re heading out, especially when coming into contact with people who are at greater risk of becoming unwell. 

“If you test positive for COVID-19 you may be infectious for up to 10 days, but you’re most infectious two days before symptoms start and while you have symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever. Make sure you stay at home while you’re unwell and until symptoms subside”

Source: NT Government Newsroom