NT records two COVID-related deaths, with 168 patients now in hospital

Both patients with COVID died at Royal Darwin Hospital. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

Two people, both women in their 60s with underlying health conditions, have died with COVID-19 in the Northern Territory.

It's the first time multiple COVID-related deaths have been reported in one day. 

The Territory has now recorded seven deaths linked to the virus.

In a statement, the NT government said a woman in her 60s died at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) on February 8.

It said a second woman, also in her 60s, died in the facility's ICU on February 9. 

The statement said both women had "underlying health issues", but did not provide further detail.

There are now 168 patients with coronavirus in hospitals across the Northern Territory, with 30 patients requiring oxygen.

Three people are in the ICU.

Many Darwin residents are continuing to wear face masks outdoors, despite the mandate being lifted last week. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

The NT announced 1,198 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, including 37 that were being added to Wednesday's tally.

Of the 1,161 new cases associated with Thursday's caseload, 1,021 were positive cases from a rapid antigen test (RAT).

In total, 659 cases were recorded in the Top End, 265 in Central Australia, 74 in the East Arnhem region, 59 in Big Rivers, 29 in the Barkly region and 75 are under investigation.

There are now 7,411 active cases of coronavirus Territory-wide.

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