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ABC News
ABC News
Health
Lauren Roberts

NT outdoor mask mandate to lift as COVID-19 hospitalisations continue to rise

A NT-wide indoor mask mandate was introduced on December 31. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

The NT will lift its outdoor mask mandate at 6pm today as scheduled despite the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital rising to 151.

Today, the territory has announced 1,141 new cases of coronavirus, including 173 that are being added to Friday's tally.

Of the 968 cases that are part of Saturday's reporting period, 546 cases are in the Top End, 151 in Central Australia, 57 in East Arnhem, 62 in the Big Rivers region and 30 are in the Barkly.

There are still 122 cases under investigation.

There are now 22 COVID-19 patients in hospital who require oxygen and four patients in the ICU. 

The number of active cases in the NT is about 7,360.

From 6pm today, Territorians can remove their masks when outdoors, although health experts are urging people 12 and older to keep wearing one if they cannot physically distance.

A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate, introduced on December 31, is still active.

Lock-ins are in place in the remote Aboriginal communities of Ampilatwatja, Milikapiti, Galiwin'ku, Milingimbi Island and Palumpa until 2pm on February 6, and for Lajamanu until 5pm on February 7.

Data shows many older Australians haven't had their booster
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