The head of the peak for Indigenous health in the Northern Territory is calling for people from problematic jurisdictions to quarantine, even when border restrictions are lifted.
On Thursday last week, the NT Government announced they will open the Territory’s boarders from July 19, meaning visitors will not have to quarantine for 14 days.
States and territories closed borders as a measure to stall the spread of the COVID 19 virus and those entering the Northern Territory have had to self-isolate for 14 days to ensure they are not contagious.
Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, John Paterson says even when the boarders open, people coming from states or territories with high rates of COVID should still quarantine.
It is understood that the NT Government did not consult with the Indigenous health representative before making the decision and Health Minister Natasha Fyles has issued an apology saying the government will keep Aboriginal medical organizations informed.
The decision for the NT to open its borders has drawn a mixed response from the Territory’s land counsels with some welcoming the decision and others saying it is too soon.
