The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC) is changing the way its Alice Springs clinics operate while it gathers information about where patients have been amid COVID outbreaks in Katherine and Robinson River.
There are 19 active cases across both communities, including a three-week-old baby in Robinson River, where five of the Northern Territory's six new cases were recorded.
CAAC chief medical officer John Boffa said the organisation had been preparing for such a scenario, and had taken steps to prevent the spread of infection by shielding its six clinics.
The clinics are still operating, but people who present are asked to provide details of their movement at the door.
"We implemented a triage system in all of our clinics, which means our clinic doors are closed," he said.
Despite the 1,000 kilometres or so between the outbreaks and Alice Springs, Dr Boffa said it was likely the virus had already spread beyond the Top End.
"They obviously want to go to funerals and major events — that doesn't stop," he said.
"We think there will be some people here in Central Australia."
Dr Boffa said CAAC health staff were asking if people have been in Katherine since November 7 and were urging those who had to get tested.
He commended the NT government's the rapid reaction to the cluster, but said that virus may have already spread beyond the Top End region.
"There was still time for people to leave Katherine and for people to leave Borroloola and Robinson River — those high-risk areas," he said.
More jabs needed
Dr Boffa welcomed the Territory-wide mask mandate because of the potential movement of people from impacted areas and urged people to protect themselves and others against the virus.
"The key for us here in Central Australia is two things — get vaccinated and get tested," he said.
"We need big numbers of people turning up now to be tested with any symptoms at all … if you've got the slightest of symptoms come and get tested."
Dr Boffa said vaccination rates had improved thanks to the Katherine scare, but still needed to increase.
"Alice Springs, as a whole — the double vax rates are above 80 per cent for the whole town," he said.
"But you take the Aboriginal population — the double vax rates, I think, now are about 50 per cent.
Rapid response applauded
Dr Boffa said that the government's response to the Robinson River situation was leading the way in showing how to cope with a remote outbreak.
"I think it's worth pointing out to is just how effective the response to Robinson river has been," he said.
"They tested most of the community … the positive person and all the primary contacts were immediately moved out of the community.
