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The government enacted the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Remote Communities) Determination 2020 on March 30 pursuant to its emergency powers under the Biosecurity Act 2015, to prevent the COVID-19 virus from reaching vulnerable Indigenous people in remote communities throughout the country.

This effectively restricted travel to Jabiru and Ranger, which is 8km away, and forced ERA to put a temporary suspension on in-bound workers from Darwin to Ranger.

However, the determination included an exemption for persons carrying out certain "essential activity", including mining and ancillary operations, which ERA applied for on April 1.

This has been granted, with the NT's designated human biosecurity officer satisfied with the company's proposed measures to minimise exposure and protect the community and members of its workforce.

As part of the plan to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus Ranger's work teams will be segregated so Darwin-based bus-in, bus-out and fly-in, fly-out workers do not mix with residential Jabiru workers.

The two teams will wear separate colours and use separate doors and entry ways as well as separate office buildings, buses and other vehicles.