The CEO of Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation is concerned by the detection of COVID-19 in Tennant Creek's wastewater, while the Northern Territory Government is criticising low testing rates in the town.
A 72-hour mask mandate was implemented in Tennant Creek and five remote communities yesterday, where there were no known cases of COVID.
Anyinginyi's Barb Shaw said the wastewater detection was "alarming", but it's something they have prepared for.
Vaccination not where it should be
Speaking on ABC Radio Alice Springs this morning, Health Minister Natasha Fyles said a rapid response team has been deployed to Tennant Creek, including staff from Alice Springs.
"We've sent teams... to provide support for the testing and vaccination at the hospital," she said.
Ms Shaw said Tennant Creek's two-dose COVID-19 vaccination rate of 69 per cent was a "major concern", just a week out from the opening of NT borders.
"But we're focusing on those communities where we've got teams going out, and people are actually staying there for long weeks to be able to do that push."
While acknowledging Tennant Creek's double-dose figure was low, Natasha Fyles said 83 per cent of people had received their first dose.
"So it is important to acknowledge the efforts of people that have come forward," she said.
Testing numbers disappointing
During Monday's COVID-19 update, Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the next round of wastewater results for Tennant Creek were expected sometime Monday afternoon.
But she said the number of people who'd come forward for tests in Tennant Creek yesterday was disappointing.
"We really do need to see more people coming forward in Tennant Creek to get tested."
"So I do urge everybody... if you have the slightest of symptoms, it is enough reason to go forward and get a COVID test."
A new testing direction will also be issued by the Chief Health Officer today, requiring anyone in the NT who's recently been in Katherine, Binjari, or Rockhole to get tested within the next three days.
