Northern Territory parks and reserves will start to reopen from 12:00pm on Friday, the first major easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the jurisdiction to date.
Key Points:
- Territorians will be able to camp, swim and hike through some NT parks and reserves this weekend
- Later this week, announcements will be made about how social distancing will be enforced at campsites and toilet blocks
- Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks are managed by the Federal Government and will remain closed
Speaking to ABC Radio Darwin this morning, Chief Minister Michael Gunner urged Territorians heading to places such as Lichfield National Park this long weekend to practise social distancing.
"We are the safest place in the country right now, but we're not immune to coronavirus, we don't have a vaccine yet," he said.
"If you head down to Litchfield this weekend, don't do a Bondi [Beach], be really respectful of each other and try and give people as much space as possible."
Mr Gunner said Territorians would be able to camp, swim and hike through some NT parks and reserves this weekend and there would be further announcements later this week about how social distancing would be enforced in campsites and toilet blocks.
"This is the first significant step we are taking to adjust our coronavirus-related restrictions," he said.
The announcement coincides with more good news from the Bureau of Meteorology, with forecasters predicting dry-season temperatures and less humidity this long weekend — with a low of 22 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
What about Kakadu National Park?
The Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks, which are managed by the Federal Government will stay closed to visitors and other non-essential travellers until 11:59 pm on June 18.
Mr Gunner said NT parks inside biosecurity areas would remain closed to travellers outside that restricted zone.
The NT Government added there were no changes to the current park restrictions in regional parts of the Territory.
In Central Australia and the Barkly some areas are open for day visits only, with no camping allowed.
Your questions on coronavirus answered:
Mr Gunner said on Thursday, the NT Government would release a "road map" to help guide NT businesses through the next phase of the coronavirus response.
He also said the NT Government was working on "adjusting restrictions" on some other outdoor activities as well.
"I do think it's important that if we can, then right now — three weeks without a case, no community transmission — we can provide that pathway," he said.
"We're going to be opening to a new normal. We're safe but not immune."
However Mr Gunner said Territory borders would remain shut for now.
"The last thing we will be touching is the borders," he said.
When will pubs open again?
Mr Gunner said Thursday's road map would include information about how pubs and swimming pools could operate moving forward.
Darwin restaurateur Jason Hanna owns a number of eateries across the Top End including The Deck Bar, Chow, Lazy Susan's and Good Times Bar & Grill.
He said while he wanted to see restrictions eased, it was important not to rush through any changes.
"The last thing we want is to open and then to close down because of another case [of COVID-19] or another wave," he said.
"As an industry, we're all trying to look at 'what will reopening look like?'.
"We're staring down the barrel of no tourist season after a couple of really hard years for business in this town.
"A lot of the modelling that we're doing, based around opening with heavy restrictions, social distancing and new social norms, makes a lot of these businesses just not viable.
"It's a scary time."
How do I get tested in the NT?
- If you can't contact or get to your GP, but you have the symptoms, you should call 1800 008 002
- This is a dedicated NT-wide coronavirus (COVID-19) number for people who need to arrange testing only
- If you live in Darwin and need to arrange testing, call the Public Health Unit on 8922 8044
- Patients who are tested should remain isolated at home until they receive their test results
- For general advice, Territorians can call 1800 020 080
What you need to know about coronavirus:
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIwLTA0LTI3L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLW50LW5hdGlvbmFsLXBhcmtzLXRvLW9wZW4tdGhpcy13ZWVrZW5kLzEyMTg3ODkw0gEmaHR0cDovL2FtcC5hYmMubmV0LmF1L2FydGljbGUvMTIxODc4OTA?oc=5
2020-04-27 00:44:29Z
52780748917576
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "NT announces first major easing of coronavirus restrictions, with national parks to start reopening - ABC News"
Post a Comment