Northern Territory makes COVID-19 vaccines mandatory across most public-facing roles
The Northern Territory will make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory across most public-facing roles.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced the sweeping mandate, as he revealed the territory will soon begin to open to fully vaccinated travellers from hotspots.
The list of workplaces that will require a mandatory jab includes hospitality workers, bankers, receptionists, hairdressers, barbers, beauty therapists and more.
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Once the state hits a vaccination target of 80 per cent double dose, fully vaccinated travellers for interstate will be allowed to home quarantine. Getty
"From Saturday the 13th of November, if you have not received at least your first dose of the vaccine, you will not be permitted to attend your workplace in that role and a failure to comply with that direction is a $5000 fine," Mr Gunner said.
"If you are not sure if it applies to you, ask yourself these three questions: in my work, do I come into contact with vulnerable people? Is my workplace at a higher risk of infection? Do I work on infrastructure or logistics that are critical to the territory?
"If your answer is maybe, or I don't know, then you need to get the jab."
Mr Gunner said parameters around vaccine exemptions will be "narrow".
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said unvaccinated workers in public roles where the jab is mandated will be barred from work from November 13. 9News
NT taking first steps to reopening to travellers
The Northern Territory has reached 80 per cent first dose coverage for those aged 16 and over.
It wants to reach a vaccination target of 80 per cent double dose by early November.
Mr Gunner tipped December as the month the territory will likely welcome fully vaccinated travellers back.
"By the end of November, we'll be ready to take the first step in changing quarantine measures," he said.
"In December, fully vaccinated travellers from hotspots can undertake home quarantine instead of quarantining in Alice Springs or Howard Springs making it easier for people to come here to come here."
COVID-19 will spread through the territory when borders open, Mr Gunner warned. Getty
He warned coronavirus will hit the territory when borders open.
"COVID-19 will be with us for years and we will need to shift to living with it," Mr Gunner said.
"That means being vaccinated against it to reduce the risk of infection, reduce the risk of spread and dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness or death.
"For anyone in the territory who remains unvaccinated and does not plan to get vaccinated, please know this - we are not waiting around forever. COVID is not waiting around forever."
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