Protecting First Nations communities from Covid-19
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
Central Australian Viral Control Zone

TOTAL GRANTED
$14,000

Impact AreaSupporting Indigenous Self-Determination
Year First Supported 2020

For over 40 years, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (Congress) has provided support and advocacy for Aboriginal people in the struggle for justice and equity. Since that time, Congress has expanded to become the largest Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation in the Northern Territory, providing a comprehensive, holistic and culturally-appropriate primary health care service to Aboriginal people living in and nearby Alice Springs, including five remote communities; Amoonguna, Ntaria (and Wallace Rockhole), Santa Teresa, Utju (Areyonga) and Mutitjulu.
Protecting First Nations communities from Covid-19
When Covid-19 emerged, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress moved to establish a viral control zone for remote First Nations communities in central Australia.
Issue
Remote First Nations communities are among the most vulnerable to the potential spread of viruses. The sustainability of health services in these remote areas during a Covid-19 outbreak is unlikely and high-risk populations in these areas are very likely to need the highest levels of healthcare to survive.
Response
The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress established a proposal for a Central Australian Viral Control Zone to include checkpoints on all entry points into the tristate region with a requirement for 14 days mandatory quarantine; provision of adequate PPE; establishment of a surge workforce in Alice Springs; and the need for enhanced testing.
This proposal was adopted by national peak body, the NACCHO, and by the Combined Aboriginal Organisations of Alice Springs. The Northern Territory subsequently introduced border controls, which were key to keeping communities safe.
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