The number of businesses submitting coronavirus safety plans to re-open next week has grown four times since the application went online on Tuesday, the NT Government said.

A week prior to stage two of the Gunner Government’s “roadmap to the new normal”, more than 600 Territory businesses have filed their COVID-19 safety compliance forms to the coronavirus.nt.gov.au website, according to Health Minister Natasha Fyles.

That number is up from 150 businesses that had submitted their coronavirus compliance checklist on Tuesday.

Businesses will have to post the completed applications to their windows and be subject the health spot checks.

“We know Territory businesses will do the right thing, they’re keen to get open, they’re keen to resume services,” Ms Fyles said.

Department of Trade Business and Innovation CEO Shaun Drabsch said in an interview with Mix104.9 on Thursday that prior to opening, businesses will need to complete a simple COVID-19 safety plan checklist to ensure that they’re operating within physical distancing and hygiene guidelines.

From noon on Friday, May 15, stage two will see further restrictions lifted on food courts and restaurants, cafes, and bars, provided that attending the venues is for no more than two hours.

Restrictions will also be lifted on outdoor training and non-contact sport teams. That includes:

The head of the Business Department further explained that checklists for different types of businesses will vary; for example a checklist completed by a sporting organization will be different to that completed by cafes or restaurants.

“Once you’ve submitted your checklist, you will be immediately emailed a summary of your submission which you can use to display on your [business] wall or window and a statement of commitment will be sent out within 14 days,” Mr Drabsch said.

Ms Fyles said opening the markets this weekend is safe and that coronavirus testing will be ramped up.

“We know Territorians are keen to get out there and explore the new normal,” she said. “But we are increasing testing and anyone who feels slightly unwell should immediately isolate themselves form the community and contact a health provider and that will stop any potential outbreak.”

An environmental health officer will visit the businesses in the coming weeks to carry out the compliance checks, Mr Drabsch said.

“You don’t have to wait for approval,” he said. “As soon as the stage two restrictions is lifted next Friday, you can open your business provided that you’ve submitted your checklist and you’ll be good to go on the 15th of May.”

He also said that if business owners need help with further completing the checklist, they can contact the gatherings hotline at 1800 518 055.