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Northern Territory records first ever Covid death since pandemic began in unvaccinated woman

Lauren FerriNCA NewsWire
Chief Minister Michael Gunner gives an update on covid cases in the Territory. Amanda Parkinson
Camera IconChief Minister Michael Gunner gives an update on covid cases in the Territory. Amanda Parkinson Credit: News Corp Australia

The Northern Territory has recorded its first ever death from Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

An unvaccinated woman aged in her 70s from the Binjari community is believed to have contracted the virus from a cluster in the Katherine region.

The Indigenous woman died at the Royal Darwin Hospital on Thursday night after being treated there for several weeks.

The death is the first associated with the Darwin-Katherine-Robinson River cluster, which has become the Territory’s largest outbreak with 60 confirmed cases.

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NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner expressed his condolences after learning of the death.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone in Binjari at this very difficult time,” he said.

“This will be hard news to hear and I know this is a tight, loving community who care for each other.”

Mr Gunner said the woman’s condition deteriorated “rapidly” on Thursday.

“The staff of RDH did all they could to care for her, and I know they are also feeling it right now,” he said.

“I extend my thanks and sympathy to them as well.”

The Chief Minister said the woman’s death was a reminder that Covid-19 was a severe illness, urging residents to get vaccinated.

A statement released by the NT Government confirmed the woman was not vaccinated.

“The NT Government extends its sincere condolences to her family and loved ones,” it said.

Originally published as Northern Territory records first ever Covid death since pandemic began in unvaccinated woman

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