Over a dozen travellers who were among Australia's first group of international arrivals after coronavirus travel measures were put in place have finished their mandatory quarantine period in Darwin, but not all will be able to return home just yet.
Sixteen people who were on a flight from East Timor last month finished their compulsory 14-day quarantine at Darwin's Mercure Hotel on Saturday.
But because of domestic flight disruptions and cancellations, Melbourne man Joao Alves will remain in Darwin for a couple more weeks.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't go to Melbourne because the flights were cancelled, that's what I heard," he said.
"Probably in two weeks' time, I will go. I'm just staying with my sister here and just stay home in the meantime."
Mr Alves was visiting his parents in East Timor when the strict travel measures started to be enforced in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
"They live in Timor and I was there for about three weeks and then COVID-19 suddenly happened so it was a really rushed trip," he said.
"Thank god I'm here now. It's a lot safer, because in Timor, unfortunately, it's not as safe [during a virus outbreak]."
Unlike Mr Alves and a handful of others from the group, Sydney resident Michael Cutaja will be back home in the next few days.
Mr Cutaja was doing volunteer work in East Timor and said he was relieved to be able to catch a last-ditch flight back to Australia from Dili.
"My heart dropped like a stone at first when I realised I had to be in quarantine," he said.
"But soon we all got used to it, and when things start up again, I'm going back to Dili."
Mr Cutaja, who is flying back to Sydney on Monday, said he counted down the days throughout the isolation period.
"When we got about halfway, it was a big relief, then it was all downhill from there," he said.
Northern Territory Health Minister Natasha Fyles said no positive coronavirus cases were found within the group travelling from East Timor.
They underwent regular medical checks, and upon departure from quarantine, received a letter from the state government thanking them for their compliance.
"Your contribution to protecting the health and safety of Territorians by preventing the spread of COVID-19 is appreciated," the letter read.
Sydney resident Michael Cutaja with his government letter Source: Aneeta Bhole
"You have limited the risk of COVID-19 transmission."
While new measures were put in place on Friday requiring new arrivals to the NT to pay for their quarantine period, the newly-released group have not had to do so.
As of Saturday evening, 28 people had tested positive to coronavirus in the NT, with no deaths.
Australia's national death toll stands at 56.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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