Information current as of May 2, 2022
The Australian and state governments have updated the definition of what a close contact. You are now a close contact if you:
Live in the same house as someone who tests positive; or
Spent 4 hours or longer with someone in a home, or health or aged care environment.
Household and close contacts who have had at least three doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine no longer need to isolate. From the date you were last in contact with the infectious person you must:
Have a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test:
within three days of becoming a close contact
on day six of becoming a close contact
For seven days wear a mask when indoors at a place which is not your residence
For seven days wear a mask when outdoors when you cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people
For seven days avoid visiting high risk settings such as a hospital, disability shared care house, residential aged care facility or correctional facility
Inform your employer or school that you are a close contact.
It is also recommended that you:
Work or study from home if possible
Avoid contact with vulnerable people who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19
Avoid large or crowded indoor gatherings
Take a Rapid Antigen Test before attending indoor gatherings with people you don’t live with, your workplace or education facilities.
For the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (having had less than three doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine), you must immediately isolate for seven days and take a Rapid Antigen Test within three days of the start of your isolation period and on day six of your isolation period.
For more in-depth information regarding COVID-19 close contact rules and instructions, head over to the official NT government COVID-19 website here.
Vaccine Pass (proof of vaccination)
Proof of vaccination is recommended but no longer a requirement check in at NT venues. The Territory Check In App will remain in place should it be required in the future.
Read more about proof of vaccinations and what is required.
Mask use
You are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor settings in the Northern Territory, but wearing a mask remains recommended. Wearing masks reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Face masks must be worn in the following high risk settings:
hospitals and health care facilities
aged care facilities
disability residential facilities
correctional facilities
family violence, sobering up and homeless shelters.
airports and on planes
Children under the age of 12 do not need to wear a mask.
Face mask exemptions
You are not required to wear a mask if you have a physical illness, mental health condition or disability that makes wearing a mask unsuitable.
Only a police officer or an authorised officer can ask you to confirm the lawful reason you are not wearing a face mask. If asked by a police officer, you must show them either:
a medical certificate or letter from the health practitioner or NDIS provider
a statutory declaration.
You must also carry and produce evidence of your name and address to a police officer or authorised officer if requested.
General advice for all NT residents and visitors during the pandemic:
Check-in everywhere, every time, no matter how long you are there for.
Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.
Do not go to work if you feel sick.
Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres where possible.
If you self-test using a rapid antigen test and receive a positive result, you are required to validate the test via a PCR. You should self-isolate while you wait for the results of your PCR test.
Helpful information:
If you have symptoms regardless of where you are living, you are urged to get tested, and stay isolated until you receive a negative result. Find your nearest testing clinic or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484
Stay updated on exposure locations.
Check any travel restrictions and border requirements.
Stay updated via the NT Government website.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.