Queensland Health has declared the Katherine region a COVID-19 hotspot as the region confirms a third case of the virus.
The NT recorded its first case of community transmission on Thursday – an unvaccinated man in his 20s – followed by a second case detection in a 55-year-old unvaccinated man who was a household contact of the first case. The third case is believed to be an overseas-acquired case.
Following the Queensland Government’s announcement, anyone arriving into Queensland who has been in the Katherine area since 4 November, will need to isolate, the health department said in a statement.
The declaration means that anyone who has already arrived, or arrives in Queensland from the Katherine region before 6pm Saturday 6 November, will need to isolate in home quarantine until they receive a negative COVID-19 result.
Anyone who enters Queensland from the Katherine region after 6pm Saturday 6 November, will be directed to isolate in hotel quarantine until the hotspot declaration is lifted or 14 days of hotel quarantine is completed, whichever comes first.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Peter Aitken said people coming into Queensland from the Katherine region will need to abide by extra restrictions as a precaution.
“Anyone who has been in the Katherine area since 4 November cannot enter vulnerable facilities in Queensland until further notice,” Dr Aitken announced.
“This includes the state’s prisons, aged care facilities, disability accommodation services and hospitals.
“It is very important to act swiftly in these circumstances.
“We are working closely with the Northern Territory Government, and mirroring these restrictions, so we can protect Queenslanders.
“The COVID-19 virus spreads fast and once again it is good to see our neighbours act quickly and enter a snap three-day lockdown to hopefully stop the spread.”
Anyone who is planning to visit the Northern Territory, in particular Katherine, should reconsider their need to travel, he said.
“It is very important for anyone who has been in a declared COVID-19 exposure site during the risk period to get tested and follow the health advice.”
“If you are experiencing any symptoms, please, come forward and get tested.
“We have done this before, we can do this again. Let’s do this, Queensland!” Dr Aitken said.
