Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
NT scraps COVID-19 vaccine pass for pubs
The Northern Territory has scrapped the need for a COVID-19 vaccine pass to enter bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, casinos, cinemas and theatres.
April 5, 2022
Drinkers, diners and gamblers in the Northern Territory will no longer have to prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter licensed premises.
Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie has scrapped the vaccine pass for entertainment venues.
This means unvaccinated people can again enter bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, casinos, cinemas and theatres.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the move was another step towards learning to live with the virus.
“(But) it is important for Territorians to not relax too much, our numbers are creeping up,” she told reporters, referring to the 550 new cases reported on Tuesday.
“We’re not out of the woods yet.”
Opposition health spokesman Bill Yan said the removal of the vaccine pass requirement was a common-sense decision amid mounting pressure from industry, local business and the public.
“It should have been done weeks ago,” he said.
There are 2951 active cases in the NT, with 18 people in hospital and one in intensive care.