More than 42,000 coronavirus vaccines have been administered across the Northern Territory, with 5.5 per cent of the 246,500-strong population now inoculated.

May 26, 2021

More than 10,000 people in the Northern Territory are now fully inoculated against coronavirus, with in excess of 42,000 vaccine doses administered.

The rollout is tracking well, with the first jab given to about one in six Territorians over the age of 16, Health Minister Natasha Fyles says.

“We are gradually increasing our vaccine rollout and it’s great to see so many Territorians rolling up their sleeves,” she said on Wednesday.

There are more than 30 COVID-19 vaccine centres across the NT, with 5.5 per cent of the Territory’s 246,500-strong population now vaccinated.

In the NT’s remote communities about 12 per cent of people over the age of 16 have had their first dose, with more than 2200 doses administered.

The positive news comes as the NT’s acting chief health officer bolstered testing and quarantine directions for Victoria, where 15 cases have been confirmed.

“We are seeing another outbreak evolving in another Australian city,” Dr Charles Pain said.

“Our response in the Territory must be to remain vigilant and implement directions rapidly that keep our community safe.”

Anyone who has arrived in the NT after visiting tier one or two public exposure sites in Greater Melbourne have been ordered to get tested for the virus and quarantine for 14 days.

People who have been in a tier three site have been ordered to monitor for symptoms and immediately self-isolate if any develop.

Additionally, anyone who has arrived in the NT since May 6 with virus symptoms must self-isolate and get tested within 72 hours.

Opposition spokesman Gerard Maley raised concerns about the Victorian cluster, saying NT Health’s restrictions were not robust enough and too slow to be implemented.

“Why aren’t these interstate passengers being immediately transferred to Howard Springs?” he said.

He also questioned why Victoria’s “confusing” tier terminology had replaced the NT’s previously successful hotspot system.