While we all watched the country and the world battle this deadly pandemic over the last year and more, we in Darwin lived in a relative safety, protected from most of the harsh realities and restrictions of Covid-19.

Now that the Greater Darwin has gone into an extended lockdown, we are once again reminded that this pandemic is not over, and we cannot take our safety for granted. This means abiding by the NT government lockdown rules and guidelines, in an effort to bring us all back again to safety.

Being a small, closely-knit community is what we love most about living in Darwin – it is why we made it our home. So let’s look after each other, just like we’ve been doing since this all started.

We are here with you, and we will keep you up to date with all the latest information and developments. Not only are we your source for the latest Covid news and updates, but we help you keep connected with your community.

Stay connected to ABC Radio Darwin. Tune in via 105.7 FM, via the Listen App or at abc.net.au/darwin. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the latest updates as they happen.

The Greater Darwin region has confirmed it is dealing with an outbreak of the Delta variant, a strain which experts warn is more infectious but "manageable" with the right restrictions.

Authorities have been handling the NT cluster as if it were the Delta strain of COVID-19 since the outset but only confirmed its lineage on Monday afternoon. This delay is partly due to the fact that NT does not do rapid genomic testing locally and needs to send samples to interstate laboratories.

Darwin and its surrounds will remain in lockdown until Friday, 2 July at 1pm as a result of the growing COVID-19 outbreak linked to a gold mine in the Northern Territory.

"The risk to the community has grown in the past 24 hours," said Chief Minister, Michael Gunner. "We are now in an extremely critical period."

Shoppers at Woolies in Nightcliff and Casuarina stood in long queues as news of the lockdown sparked panic buying. Greater Darwin residents residents are reminded that the supermarkets will be open during the lockdown across Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area.

Territory controller Jamie Chalker says the NT's supply chains will not be impacted by the lockdown.

Northern Territory police say they are investigating a COVID-19 quarantine breach in Alice Springs after two women allegedly absconded from supervised quarantine into a waiting getaway car.

"I can say they were up on the first floor. They managed to abseil down and work through that, and then up and over a fence to head off," said Jamie Chalker, the NT Police Commissioner.

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Northern Territory has been forced to compile a list of COVID-19 exposure sites.

Click for more to find out everything you need to know about all of them, plus what to do if you've visited one of the sites.

Interstate travellers have been lining up for flights out of Darwin after a lockdown commenced on Sunday and was extended for a further three days.

Darwin Airport operations general manager Rob Porter said things had become busy at Darwin Airport ever since the lockdown was first announced.

After the announcement of the Territory Day celebrations being postponed until further notice, NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said there will be "one hell of a party" when it's safe to do so. "Once we are through this we will name a new date," he said.

However, Territorians are urged to tune in to another party instead - a live broadcast of the countdown of the best Territory songs from 2020!

Open a cold drink or make a hot cuppa and tune in on 1 July after 8pm to get the party started with ABC Radio Darwin Evenings presenter Mikaela Simpson.

Larrakia artist Denise Quall and her team have just finished painting Gunimidjina Gwala Daraniki on the side of the ABC building at the southern entrance to Darwin's CBD.

It's the latest in a boom of public Larrakia and Larrakia-inspired art that's emerged around the Top End in the past decade. Darwin now boasts a rich culture of local Aboriginal art with the jewel in the crown being a new CBD entrance mural. 

If you're looking for a new show to binge during lockdown, ABC iview have plenty to choose from. Need a laugh? There are some great new comedies to binge like Starstruck or Superwog. If you're looking for something with a bit more grit, there are popular dramas like Manhunt or Jack Irish. 

We know lockdown can be even harder during the school holidays with kids at home. Keep them busy with shows like Hardball or try this collection of Family Favourites. Let's also not forget everyone's favourite - Bluey! 

Why not try some of these simple recipes at home? If you have a bit of a sweet tooth why not try this easy 3 ingredient chocolate mousse recipe. It is a culinary heaven for your palette! Or if you prefer a hot brekkie that gives you an energy boost in the morning, why not try this delicious pumpkin hash with fried egg.

For those that crave simple yet delicious recipes from South-East Asia, we have a scrumptious, and easy to make Vietnamese Omelette - just put some garnish on top and enjoy!