Nhulunbuy has recorded its first case of COVID-19, almost a week after wastewater from the town tested positive for the virus — but authorities say the case does not explain the initial wastewater result and remains under investigation.
It comes as a resident of Darwin's Bagot community becomes the first person in one of the NT capital's Aboriginal communities to test positive to the virus.
A post on the SecureNT Facebook page late on Friday said the case had arrived in Nhulunbuy on December 29, days after the wastewater result last Saturday.
It said authorities were still investigating the source of the infection.
More than 900 people in the north-east Arnhem Land town, which has a population of about 3,200, have been tested for COVID since Christmas Day in line with health advice.
The SecureNT post urged people in the area to get tested and check the updated list of exposure sites.
"Everyone should get tested, so please book in as a priority."
The case in Bagot, about 7 kilometres from the Darwin city centre, was confirmed by a statement from Top End Aboriginal health service Danila Dilba late on Friday.
The statement said that the client had attended the service's Malak clinic on Thursday afternoon and received a positive PCR test on Friday.
The client is now isolating at home.
It is the first COVID-19 case in one of Darwin's Indigenous communities, and the first be recorded by Danila Dilba.
Danila Dilba acting chief executive Rodger Williams said the case was a reminder of the importance of getting vaccinated and tested.
"While this is unfortunate, it is inevitable, and we now have COVID-19 in our communities, here in Darwin," he said.
"It's important that we encourage all of our people to get tested if they're unwell and to isolate to minimise the spread."
The Bagot Advisory Council, which has been informed of the case, has asked non-residents to stay away from the community for now and for frequent visitors to get tested and isolate if they show symptoms.
Territorians celebrate New Year's Eve despite mask mandate
New Year's Eve events went ahead across the NT on Friday night despite a Territory-wide mask mandate being introduced from 6pm after the NT registered its record highest daily case total.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner encouraged people to go out but to celebrate responsibly.
"We want to have as much fun as you can, but we need you to do this as safely as possible," he said.
Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker warned the night had the "very real possibility" of creating super-spreader events, and urged people to take precautions.
Mr Williams also asked partygoers to be conscious of their health after the discovery of the Bagot community case.
"We know a lot of events are happening tonight to celebrate New Year's Eve and we just ask that everyone stay safe and try to avoid situations where they may be at risk," he said.
