The lockdown in the Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek has been extended for another 48 hours.
NT Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the lockdown in Tennant Creek will be extended until 5pm, Wednesday, December 22.
"I know this is not the news the people of Tennant Creek wanted to hear," she said.
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"We all want to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, our families and our mates."
Ms Manison urged residents to continue getting tested and to get vaccinated.
The lockdown in Ali Curung will also continue until Wednesday December 22 with the possibility of being extended.
"Due to the low vaccination rate in Ali Curung, any decision to lift the lockdown will be critically analysed," Ms Manison said.
"Ali Curung has an extremely low vaccination rate of 44 per cent first dose."
It comes as the Territory recorded three new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours.
The first is a child from Tennant Creek, who is a close contact of an existing case.
The child is already in quarantine.
A man and woman in their 30s have also tested positive, both are from Walkabout Bore outstation.
Both were in Tennant Creek a week ago and were asymptomatic.
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Ms Manison said all three cases are connected to the Katherine cluster
There are now 112 cases linked to this cluster.
Mask mandate extended in some NT areas
A mask mandate will remain in Tennant Creek and the Barkley local government area until 5pm on Wednesday December 22 as the lockdown has been extended.
The mask mandate in Katherine and surrounding suburbs will be immediately lifted.
"Please if you're symptomatic still get tested," Ms Manison said.
Interstate testing requirements to enter NT
The NT can move towards quarantine free travel if travellers comply with testing requirements, Ms Manison said.
"We need everyone coming to the Territory for Christmas to make sure you are doing the right thing," she said.
Travellers must get a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival.
Ms Manison said due to the increase of COVID-19 cases on the east coast, test results have been slower.
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"Anyone entering the territory without a test result will have to isolate pending their result," she said.
"They will have the option of getting a PCR test when they arrive in the territory, as soon as they get a result whether from here or interstate they will be free to leave isolation and enjoy their stay."
