A town with low vaccination rates has been plunged into lockdown after Covid-19 was detected in its wastewater.
Another Northern Territory town has been forced into lockdown as a Rapid Assessment Team rushed to “manage” the response.
Health authorities entered the remote town of Lajamanu and its surrounds overnight, which is located approximately 560 kilometres southwest of Katherine.
It currently has no confirmed cases but NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said its low vaccination rates were a concern.
The move came after Covid-19 was detected in the town’s wastewater.
“The remote community of Lajamanu has entered a lockdown after wastewater testing detected Covid-19,” Mr Gunner announced on a social media post.
In a statement, NT Health said the lockdown is likely to last until 6pm on December 11.
“Anyone who has left Lajamanu since the 15th of November is required to isolate, get tested, and stay isolated until you receive a negative result.”
Only around 60 per cent of the town’s population of approximately 500 people have had one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
So far, none of the residents have reported symptoms, and resources have been rushed to the town from health authorities.
Testing has begun of residents, and schools and early childhood services will be closed.
“We have surged our resources to make sure Lajamanu has everything they need,” Mr Gunner said.
“You are not alone, we are with you.”
He urged residents to stay home, wear a mask, take a Covid-19 test and get vaccinated.
Residents must stay at home for the lockdown period and people are only permitted to leave for the following five reasons:
1. Medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccination
2. For essential goods and services, like groceries and medications. Only one household member should visit the store, once per day.
3. For work that is considered essential.
4. For one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km from your home with one other person or people from your house.
5. To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves. In case of an emergency.
Four new Covid cases
Four new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the North Territory overnight.
None posed a risk to the community, with all in isolation.
Three of the local cases relate to the Katherine cluster, with Mr Gunner confirming all three are household contacts who mingled at the Howard Springs facility.
Most of the Katherine region has moved out of lockdown and into a lockout after the other locally acquired case — a man already in quarantine — was recorded.
Earlier in the week, the remote communities of Binjari and Rockhole were sent into a hard lockdown after nine new positive Covid-19 cases were recorded last Sunday.
These are the toughest measures used by the NT government so far, and are expected to remain in place for another week.
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