Easing of Restrictions for the Northern Territory
The information on this page relates to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions for the Northern Territory. It will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
Useful Links:
Guidelines for sport and active recreation businesses
COVID-19 Sport and Active Recreation Organisation Checklist (required)
NT Government Business Support
Last updated: 26/08/2021
Current Restrictions for the Northern Territory
Thursday 26 August 2021, COVID-19 restrictions in Greater Darwin and Katherine will be lifted from noon today.
Previously, from Thursday 19 August, some restrictions have eased, however, restrictions for the Greater Darwin Area will be in place until 12pm on 26 August 2021 for high-risk activities.
Despite easing of restrictions, Indoor exercise including at gyms, Zumba, barre, Pilates and yoga studios will remain closed.
Effective from 12.01pm on Monday 16 August 2021, the below areas will enter a full lockdown for 72 hours:
- City of Darwin
- City of Palmerston
- Litchfield Council
- Wagait Shire
- Belyuen Shire
- Dundee
- Bynoe
- Charlotte
- Cox Peninsula
- Municipality of Katherine including Tindal
Gyms, Pilates and fitness are closed. Residents from affected areas must stay at home for the 72-hour lockdown period and people are only permitted to leave home for the following five reasons:
- Medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccination
- For essential goods and services, like groceries and medications
- For work that is considered essential and cannot be done at home
- For one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km from your home with one other person or people from your house
- In case of an emergency or if there is family violence or to provide essential care to a loved one or dependent who cannot support themselves and co-parenting arrangements.
For everyone in the lockdown area, masks must be worn if you leave your place of residence for one of these five reasons. Anyone caught breaching directions – including not wearing a mask – faces a $5,000 fine.
Previously, from 1pm Friday 9 July, all remaining restrictions are lifted.
Check-in everywhere, every time
The Territory Check-In App will become mandatory for use in all NT businesses, shopping centres, venues and events. Pen and paper will still be permitted.
- All businesses and places where customers and clients visit need to use a check-in system, like The Territory Check-In App.
Previously, from Friday 2 July until 1pm on 9 July 2021 restrictions remain in place for high-risk activities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community.
- Indoor exercise including at gyms, Zumba, barre, Pilates and yoga studios will remain closed.
Previously, from 28 June 2021 The COVID-19 lockdown across the Greater Darwin Area has been extended for a further 72 hours until 1pm on Friday 2 July 2021. This includes the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Council areas, and Wagait and Belyuen Shires.
Medical treatment For essential goods and services For work that is considered essential For one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km from your home with one other person or people from your house To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves.
Previously, requirements checked 22 February 2021
All businesses are required to lodge a COVID-19 Safety Plan by filling out the relevant checklists available. A COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist must be completed and submitted online. The checklist forms the businesses COVID-19 Safety Plan.
The CHO Directions also require businesses to comply with and review their COVID-19 Safety Plans at least every six months to make sure they continue to address any required safety responsibilities.
Businesses with a COVID-19 Safety Plan must also appoint a COVID Safety Supervisor to facilitate the implementation of their businesses COVID-19 Safety Plan.
The COVID-19 Safety Plan must be available to show to an authorised officer upon request.
Places that provide yoga, Pilates, massages or wellness services must collect customer contact details via the Territory check-in app or other suitable collection tool. More details
Previously, from noon on 15 May 2020, the following businesses, services and activities can reopen:
- participate in organised outdoor training activities for sporting clubs and teams
- operate or attend a studio that provides yoga, Pilates, Zumba, barre, dance classes
- operate or attend physical training activities indoors such as CrossFit and
- operate and attend a gymnasium.
Activities included in step two must be undertaken in less than two hours.
CHO Directions and mandatory requirements
The business must comply with the requirements specified in the Directions.
Under the Directions, a business must:
- complete and submit to the Department of Health a COVID-19 safety plan checklist before reopening and
- place markings on the floor of its premises where participants may queue (for example, at the entrance, bathrooms or service counter) before reopening and
- provide hand sanitiser to participants unless handwashing facilities are available.
The CHO’s directions are laws and it is an offence to contravene a direction of the CHO.
It is important that you keep informed about the Directions of the CHO and any requirements or restrictions which relate to your type of business.