Darwin to enter three day lockdown

Darwin to enter three day lockdown from midday
A man in his 30s has tested positive to Covid overnight
The news comes as WA announces vaccine blitz and NSW records 478 daily cases

Greater Darwin and Katherine will enter lockdown from midday today, following a positive Covid case in the city overnight.

The lockdown will be in place until at least midday Thursday this week.

The positive case had been in hotel quarantine in Sydney until Thursday 12th August before travelling through Canberra to Darwin.

Northern Territory Chief Minister, Michael Gunner, says the variant of the case is still unknown.

“Like last time, we have made the decision to lockdown fast because of what we do not know.”

Michael Gunner, Northern Territory Chief Minister

“There is a very real risk that this virus has been transmitted to others. There is a very real risk that those people have travelled elsewhere in the community. And there is a very real risk that this includes contact with our vulnerable populations,” Mr Gunner said at the press conference this morning.

Residents are permitted to leave their homes for only five reasons:

Medical treatment – including Covid testing and vaccinations
Essential goods and services
Essential work that can not be done at home
One hour of exercise a day within 5km of home
To provide care

Pfizer for WA’s 16-29 year olds

Starting today, West Australians aged 16 – 29 are eligible to receive the Pfizer jab for the first time.

Health Minister Roger Cook is urging all those who are able to get the vaccine not to hesitate or be complacent.

“Today is a really important step because it simplifies the message – anyone 16 and over can get vaccinated at a WA clinic,” Mr Cook said.

NSW records 478 cases

Meanwhile, New South Wales has recorded its worst day since the start of the pandemic, with 478 new cases over the past 24 hours. The record cases come with the news of seven deaths.