Aboriginal health services have urged caution as residents of the Katherine region begin to travel again after weeks of COVID-19 lockdowns and lockouts ended today.
Katherine went into lockdown in mid November after a COVID-19 outbreak, sparked by an interstate traveller who lied to enter the Territory, found its way to the Top End town.
Katherine-based Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service has urged people to remain cautious as conditions are eased, stressing compliance with an ongoing mask mandate as Christmas approaches.
"I believe that it's always going to be over our shoulder," Chairperson Lisa Mumbin said.
Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service Chairperson Lisa Mumbin (right) and CEO Suzi Berto. Source: Supplied
Two more Katherine residents tested positive to the virus today - one was in Royal Darwin Hospital, the mother of a three year old girl who recently tested positive.
The other was an infant and household contact already in quarantine.
Testing teams were visible in Katherine East, as authorities work to track down any remaining cases.
"It's a matter people getting the understanding that COVID's not gone, it's here and we need to ensure that we are dealing with (it) in an appropriate way," Ms Mumbin told NITV News.
"So... we still need to be careful and keep our distances and be safe for ourselves and our families."
Positive cases also emerged in remote communities with Binjari, Rockhole, Robinson River and Lajamanu all experiencing lockdowns.
Binjari, just west of Katherine, endured a hard lockdown for weeks, with residents unable to leave home.
Testing teams were out and about in Katherine East today. Source: Supplied
Today, like those in Katherine, Binjari residents were given the all-clear to leave their communities.
It's brought about mixed emotions, after a woman from the community last week became the first Territorian to die from Coronavirus.
"They just want to be able to come to town and catch up with family as well, other than that they’re mindful that they are under a situation with this sorry business," Ms Mumbin said.
The Katherine Covid-19 outbreak now stands at 63 positive cases.
