In recognition of Norfolk Island's ongoing vulnerability to the risks posed by COVID-19, the emergency declaration and travel ban currently in place will be extended until the end of June.
Extending the declaration now gives a level of certainty to community members, businesses and potential visitors to the island, to support their planning.
Norfolk Island currently has no known cases of COVID-19.
The extension of the declaration of emergency until 30 June 2020 has been made on the recommendation of the Emergency Management Norfolk Island (EMNI) Controller. The travel ban will also remain in place until this date.
Under these arrangements, only essential travel for residents and personnel will be permitted to Norfolk Island until further notice. This will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Incident Controller and anyone returning to the island will need to self-isolate for 14 days once on island away from family and friends.
It is important to note that myself, EMNI and the Incident Controller, along with the Council and the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Services (NIHRACS) are monitoring the situation and our local response measures on a daily basis.
We will continue to assess the local impacts of the national restrictions on social gatherings and non-essential businesses and adjust to the Norfolk Island situation as appropriate.
The emergency declaration can be revoked, or extended, as required.
We are grateful to the community for your willingness to adopt, and abide by, the measures required to protect and care for each other in this difficult time.
If you have respiratory illness symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath and are concerned you may have been exposed to coronavirus, then isolate yourself and call NIHRACS to discuss your circumstances—do not attend the health service without calling.
For further information, see www.health.gov.au or phone the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
If you have questions or require further information, please contact my Office on 22152.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
26 March 2020