The Australian Government has implemented further measures to protect remote communities during the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory, in line with the local requirements announced by the Northern Territory Government.
As Minister for Health and Aged Care, I have made a Determination under section 477 of the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 to prevent a person from entering or exiting Elcho Island including Galiwin’ku, Wessel Islands, including Martjanba, and Yirrkala. The Determination will be in place until 2:00pm 20 January 2022 in Yirrkala and until 2:00pm 24 January for Elcho Island and Wessel Islands.
In addition, I have extended the determination made under section 477 of the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 for Yuendumu, Yuelamu, and Amoonguna until 3:00pm on
23 January 2022.
These measures are based on medical advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly. They will help to contain the current outbreak and will assist in preventing the spread of the disease, including to neighbouring remote communities in the Northern Territory.
I have taken this decision at the request of the Northern Territory Government and with the support of the critical stakeholders, including the Central Land Council, Northern Land Council, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
All residents are encouraged to continue to follow their local Health Department directions, to be tested in the coming days, and to book their vaccinations.
The measures will be in place only as long as necessary to keep the community safe.