Darwin toddler tests positive for coronavirus
A toddler has tested positive to coronavirus in Darwin, becoming the third person in their extended family to be infected with COVID-19.
Northern Territory Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the case was a person-to-person transmission, not community transfer.
“We have a situation where we now have three contacts from the same family group that have tested positive to COVID-19 in the Northern Territory,” Fyles said.
“This is a case of an extended family trying to care for and manage loved ones returning from overseas.
“This family has done everything right – the risk to the community is very low.”
She said the entire family went into quarantine after one member became symptomatic. The child, aged under two years old, was currently receiving treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital.
The toddler has two siblings who attend Leanyer Primary School and had not tested positive to the virus.
“This family did the right thing – as soon as that close family member became symptomatic, those children did not attend school,” Fyles said.
“The risk to our school community is very, very low.”
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he appreciated that the news was “concerning” for the Leanyer school community.
“I want to reassure you that based on health advice from the Chief Medical Officer, there is no risk to students, staff and families,” he said.
“Students are welcome to attend next week should learning from home not be an option.”