NT authorities cautious despite recording no new cases of COVID-19

Authorities say more test results are needed before they are confident the virus can be contained.

The spike in cases in the NT has triggered a lockdown extension for Katherine and Robinson River region until at least 6pm on Monday. Source: AAP

The Top End's COVID cluster remains at 19 after a testing blitz has failed to uncover any new positive cases in the Northern Territory.

While it’s encouraging, the next two days will be crucial with further test results needed before authorities can be confident the virus has been contained.

"This is good news but it’s not a day to get ahead of ourselves," NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said. 

It was positive news for people in Katherine and the remote community of Robinson River, near the Gulf of Carpentaria, which are both in lockdown until Monday night.

But health authorities say there's a real danger of further spread, warning against complacency.

"The known cases are from three households. I have to say, it is unlikely contained only in those households," Acting NT Chief Health Officer Charles Pain said.

All positive tests have come from Aboriginal Territorians, with ages ranging from a three-week-old baby to 71. A 65-year-old woman remains in Royal Darwin Hospital.

"She’s stable but she’s still requiring oxygen so she’s being closely monitored," Dr Pain said.

Almost 2500 Territorians were vaccinated yesterday - the third biggest jab day on record.

Genomic testing results today linked the current outbreak to a recent Covid cluster which sent Darwin and Katherine into snap lockout and lockdown.

Darwin's Centre for National Resilience

A total of 49 close contacts have have now been flown from Robinson River into the Darwin's Centre for National Resilience, including eight who were airlifted today.

Federal measures preventing any travel in or out of Robinson River and nearby outstations have been extended until further notice.

Amid the race to trace, trap and vaccinate, there's concerns for Katherine's vulnerable Aboriginal population - many who have been sleeping rough after being caught up in the latest lockdown.  

Care providers have been providing meals and undertaking welfare checks.

"We’re seeing about 130 people. And we’re giving out masks as well. A lot of our mob haven’t got masks," Salvation Army's Eli Sherman said.

Stranded Beswick resident Sam Ashley said he was keen to return to the community at the first opportunity.

"Family back home, they’re happy and they’re all safe in place," he said.

"They’re living in houses, in their house and I’m out here in town. I’ve got nowhere to really sleep."