Keeping Territorians Safe as the Territory Prepares to Reopen

9 December 2021

The Territory Labor Government today released its strengthened roadmap to keep Territorians safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19 as we transition to reopening.

From December 20 fully vaccinated arrivals will no longer have to undertake home quarantine when entering the Northern Territory.

However they will be required to stay in a high-vaccination zone for 14 days following their arrival. This ensures that we are reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 to remote communities and vulnerable areas.

In addition, the Territory will no longer differentiate interstate arrivals as red or green zones – every part of Australia will be treated the same. 

All arrivals will be required to have evidence of a negative PCR test within the first 72 hours before arriving in the NT. They will then need to take a second PCR test in the first 72 hours after their arrival, and then a third on their sixth day in the Territory.

Arrivals at an airport will receive a free rapid antigen test that they can take with them, so they have an extra test in their pocket to use if they do get symptoms.

Unvaccinated travellers will only be allowed to enter the Territory with an approved exemption, and will have to spend 14 days in supervised quarantine, at a cost of $2,500.

Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

“From 20 December the key question on arrival won’t be where you have come from, but whether you’re fully vaccinated or not – that’s what matters.

“The whole country is now entering a new phase of dealing with this pandemic, where the virus will gradually become endemic, as we learn to live with COVID as a highly-vaccinated society.

“We want to put an end to the on-again-off-again declaration of hot spots, and we want to make the rules are super simple so that everyone coming to the Territory knows exactly what is expected from them, while still having key health measures in place.

“If you can be vaccinated, but you are not vaccinated – the rule for you does not change. And the rule is simple: stay away.”

Northern Territory Government