The NT government has introduced a new COVID-19 vaccine pass system. Here's what that means for you
By Samantha DickLockout restrictions have lifted for most of the Northern Territory but a new vaccine pass system means some people will not be allowed to celebrate at the pub.
Key points:
- Unvaccinated people in the Northern Territory are now banned from entering a long list of venues, including cafes
- Anyone who breaches the new law faces a $5,000 fine
- Chief Minister Michael Gunner says responsibility for compliance ultimately falls on the individual, not hospitality staff
Only two communities will remain under lockout rules until at least Friday: Yuendumu and Yuelamu.
For everyone else, a wide-ranging vaccine mandate is now in place.
Under the Territory government's new requirement, launched yesterday, people must now show proof of their vaccination status to gain entry to a long list of venues.
This means people who are not double-vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter certain places, including:
- pubs
- clubs
- casinos
- licensed restaurants
- licensed cafes
- cinemas
- theatres
- ticked events for more than 500 people in urban areas
- ticketed events for more than 100 people in rural areas.
Unlicensed restaurants and cafes are not part of the pass system.
One vaccine dose will not be enough.
If you've only had one dose, you cannot obtain a vaccine pass and you will not be able to enter these venues.
You can, however, pick up takeaway from cafes or restaurants.
Who will be responsible for checking?
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said venue managers must take "reasonable steps" to ensure patrons are fully vaccinated.
That includes placing signs at the entry that state a vaccine pass is required, ensuring a Territory check-in app QR code is clearly visible and having staff check patrons' vaccine passes upon entry or at the point of service.
However, Mr Gunner said, the onus was "on the individual to do the right thing".
"It's not our hospitality venues that are responsible for this law," he said.
"Don't blame them, blame me. Don't whinge at them, or abuse them or threaten them."
People who cannot prove they are double-vaccinated will not be allowed to enter a venue or receive service.
The only exception is if they are just collecting takeaway.
Staff confronted by angry patrons are encouraged to call the police on 131 444.
"The police will have very little patience with people who are making our hospitality workers feel unsafe," Mr Gunner said. "Don't try it on."
Anyone who breaches the Chief Health Officer's direction faces a $5,000 fine.
How can I prove if I'm vaccinated?
You can find your digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate at a few places online, and it can be stored on your smartphone.
To show your proof of vaccination, you have several options:
- login to the myGov website and open the link to the COVID-19 vaccine pass
- then download your COVID-19 vaccine pass and store it in your digital wallet on your smartphone
- it can be useful to also link your Territory check-in app to your COVID-19 vaccine pass — a green tick will automatically appear on your phone whenever you check in or need to show a staff member
- you can also print a hard copy of your COVID-19 certificate
- you can show a digital or hard copy of your immunisation history statement (which you can find on the Medicare Express app)
- overseas travellers can show an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.
What if I cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons?
There are very few situations where you can't have a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons.
If you can't get any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines for medical reasons, your doctor will need to update your data on the Australian Immunisation Register.
This will be recorded on your immunisation history statement and COVID-19 digital certificate.
What are other places around Australia doing?
The Northern Territory's new rule might seem novel, but other states and territories adopted vaccine mandates for venues and events months ago.
In Victoria, you must show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, as well as hair and beauty salons.
Tasmanians only need to be fully vaccinated to enter pubs, nightclubs, bars and licensed events where alcohol is served.
The only time you are required to show proof of full vaccination in NSW is if you are attending an indoor musical festival with more than 1,000 people.
South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory do not have a vaccine mandate in place for patrons of venues and events.
In Queensland, unvaccinated people are not allowed to visit most venues, including cafes, sporting stadiums, festivals and theme parks.
They are also banned from visiting vulnerable settings, such as hospitals, residential aged care facilities, disability accommodation services or prisons.