Two more mine workers from the Tanami mine site that sparked the NT’s COVID-19 lockdown late last month have tested positive for coronavirus – 12 days after being quarantined at Howard Springs, the government said.

A statement released last evening stated that both workers were on the flight from the Tanami mine site to Darwin, presumably on June 25, along with “another worker who later became positive”.

The government did not release the date of the flight, however said there was “no risk” to the larger community and previously said passengers from the flight had been taken into quarantine within two days of arriving.

“There is no risk to the community because the workers have been in Howard Springs during their infectious period,” the statement said.

“The workers returned a positive COVID-19 result as part of their Day 12 testing, having returned negative results on their tests undertaken upon entry and on Day 5.

“Both men are displaying mild symptoms and are under the care of NT Health at the [Howard Springs quarantine facility].”

The NT Independent reported late last month that an unrestricted flight carrying roughly 70 mine workers from the Tanami gold mine site in Central Australia landed in Darwin on June 25, with all passengers onboard entering the community, despite the government knowing one mine worker from the Brisbane high-risk area was awaiting test results.

That mine worker, known as the “index case”, tested positive around midnight on Friday, June 25. It’s understood he was not on the flight, but two others who tested positive immediately were, as well as at least two more, after yesterday’s declaration by the government.

Other flights left the Newmont goldmine site on June 25, which resulted in at least 19 Delta variant COVID-19 cases across the country.

The NT Government is expected to announce this morning whether restrictions adopted after coming out of lockdown last Friday will continue, including wearing masks in public spaces.