City of Darwin Council has shut down all non-essential services following the announcement of a snap 48-hour COVID-19 lockdown.
The move follows the detection of five new COVID-19 cases linked to a Central Australian mine and includes the closure of all libraries, swimming pools and council-related community events and activities.
“Council services that will continue to be undertaken during this 48-hour lockdown are essential services including: regular kerb side rubbish collection; the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility; council cleaning crews where appropriate; rangers for essential services only such as attending to emergency call outs; the Pound is closed to the public but remains open for City of Darwin services only and a small group of our customer service area to take calls,” Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said.
Council is encouraging customers to pay on-line for urgent animal registration, rates, rate instalments and parking infringements.
“We are assisting and supporting the NT Government to reduce the risk of any COVID-19 community transmission being spread across Darwin,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our focus is to ensure the continuity and delivery of essential services to meet the needs of our community.”
The lockdown came into effect at 1pm today. Supermarkets will remain open during the lockdown and the government says supply chains for essentials are sufficient.
Under the lockdown, people in the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield local government areas, including the Darwin rural area and Wagait and Belyuen Shires will only be permitted to leave their homes to:
- Medical treatment including COVID-19 testing and vaccinations
- To get essential goods and services
- For essential work
- For one hour of exercise within a 5km radius
- To provide care to people unable to support themselves.
The Government has also ordered that masks be worn outside the home.
