The final remnants of the Northern Territory's COVID-19 requirements will come to an end almost three years on from the start of the pandemic, the government has announced.
From Friday, the NT Chief Health Officer's (CHO) directions requiring people to declare positive rapid antigen test results and to wear face masks in high-risk settings will no longer be in effect.
Mandatory isolation for people who test positive for COVID-19 was lifted last month.
Announcing the changes, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said it's a significant day for the territory.
"The territory has done a great job in keeping COVID out, getting vaccinated," she said.
"Our health professionals have done an amazing job caring for people and, in fact, they're still caring for some people."
Fyles hopeful directions won't be reintroduced
Earlier this year the NT Government passed legislation extending the CHO's emergency powers until June 2024, meaning directions can still be reintroduced.
Ms Fyles said she was hopeful, for the moment, that wouldn't be necessary.
"I can't anticipate the twists and turns of COVID into the future," she said.
"But we very much are leaving that emergency footing of COVID and having it as a community-based illness."
She said requirements to wear masks will become a policy of individual facilities, and said people should still keeps masks handy.
Acting CHO Jacqueline Murdoch encouraged Territorians to continue being COVID-safe.
"Although the requirements … are being lifted, we would really encourage people to keep doing that," she said.
"Like staying home if you feel sick, washing your hands, wearing a mask if you've got systems if you need to go out."
She also encouraged people to continue testing and reporting for COVID-19.
"That helps, both for people who are eligible for treatment … and it also helps NT Health plan our responses and anticipate what's going to happen."
Cases expected to rise
Across the country, health authorities have been on standby for another wave of COVID-19 infections, as new variants drive up case numbers.
Dr Murdoch said indicators across the NT in the last week are also pointing to an increase in cases.
"We will be releasing [weekly] numbers tomorrow, and we do expect them to be increased compared to last week," she said.
"We also have some indicators from wastewater testing, particularly in Darwin and in Katherine, that cases are starting to increase."
She encouraged people to ensure they were up to date with their vaccinations.
"Especially with Christmas, and potentially travel coming up, and with indications that we are starting to see another wave," she said.
The latest national data shows the Northern Territory has the lowest fourth dose rate in the country, with only 24.8 per cent of eligible people vaccinated with four doses.
Ms Fyles said the government would continue monitoring wastewater results to inform any future public health measures.
