Northern Territory (NT) Chief Minister Michael Gunner has provided an explanation as to why entry restrictions to the Australian territory have been removed despite having previously taken a hard line on COVID-19 vaccination status and testing. In a statement released over the weekend, Gunner said that the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus is now widespread throughout the territory and so the government is redirecting health and police resources to where they are most needed in a proportionate manner. The current number of active cases of COVID-19 in the territory is estimated to be around 6,100. “The COVID-19 risk from interstate arrivals no longer outweighs the COVID-19 risk in the Territory and this means it is no longer appropriate to direct significant resources monitoring arrivals,” Gunner said. “Friday’s decision brings us into line with every mainland jurisdiction outside of WA.” The NT government page for international arrivals now reads, “There …