The Northern Territory must have been in competition with us, Victoria, in the Covid tyranny stakes. But, I think the Northern Territory now has the lead by a rotten nose, with strict Covid lockdowns for the unvaccinated. What do they think this is going to do, other than give yet another example of rising Covid infections among the vaccinated as a control study? The NT to me, looks like a good place to get out of, as is Victoria. After all, in the NT there is the heat, humidity and flies. It was never to my taste. I am also starting to hate my once beloved Victoria.
“Unvaccinated residents in the Northern Territory will be forced to adhere to strict lockout restrictions as of 1pm, after the territory reported a record 256 new COVID-19 cases today.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced the territory-wide lockout for all those who are not fully vaccinated will take place as of this afternoon.
It will apply to those unvaccinated aged over 16, who now will not be allowed to travel more than 30 kilometres from their home.
"You may only leave home for three reasons: medical treatment including COVID testing and vaccination; essential goods and services like groceries, power tokens medications; to provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves," Mr Gunner said.
For the fully vaccinated, there will be no restrictions other than the mask mandate.
Of today's cases, 27 are presumed to be community transmission and 10 are close contacts of known cases.
There were 88 interstate acquired cases and 19 are internationally acquired.
112 cases remain under investigation.
There are currently 23 people in hospital with COVID-19, two of whom are being treated in the ICU, with one requiring a ventilator.
New Years' Eve activities are being blamed for the spike in cases, with the majority of infections taking place in people aged between 20 to 39.
"Today's escalation in cases is concerning," Mr Gunner said.
"Yesterday and today's jumps do reflect activity from Friday and Saturday night and they are reflected in that demographic I mentioned."
'Vaccine pass system' introduced
Mr Gunner has also announced a vaccine pass system will be implemented from midday on Monday.
"A vaccine pass will be necessary for entering high-risk hospitality settings," he said.
The pass will be necessary to enter pubs, clubs, casinos, restaurants, cinemas, ticketed events for over 500 people in urban centres and over 100 in non-urban centres.
Residents will need to use the Territory check-in app and show proof of vaccination to enter these venues.
"Territorians love having a beer with their mates, and the overwhelming majority keep to get doing this," Mr Gunner said.
"We want you to be as safe as possible while having a frothy and a beer."
Residents have been urged to call the police if "troublemakers" don't follow the new COVID-19 directions.
"I know there are unvaccinated people who can be impolite, I have experienced it," he said.
"If there are troublemakers who try to breach this direction, call the police."
The bias, if not scapegoating of the unvaccinated is appalling. Again, too bad if the Covid vaccine die off hypothesis is correct.