A supermarket in Australia has banned unvaccinated shoppers - despite grocery shopping being classed as an essential service.
Grocery chain IGA has announced the move in its Yulara store in the Northern Territory, which is located inside the Ayers Rock resort.
IGA is a popular group of grocery shops with around 1,455 outlets across Australia.
The decision to refuse un-jabbed customers in the Yulara store comes after the Northern Territory introduced a new vaccine pass system on January 10.
The new rules mean anyone over the age of 16 now has to show proof of a double vaccination to enter “high risk” hospitality settings.
This includes places like cinemas, theatres, pubs, clubs, restaurants and casinos.
Those who haven’t been jabbed are not allowed to enter these types of venues - but they are still able to access essential services such as supermarkets.
All residents are required to wear face masks in all indoor public areas under the latest Covid rules.
The ban by IGA has been backed by tourism operator Voyages, the Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation (MCAC), Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and the Northern Territory government.
A Voyages company spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australia that the move is necessary to protect workers, guests and the local community.
Do you agree with the decision to ban unvaccinated shoppers? Let us know in the comments below.
MCAC chief executive Thalia Bohl-van den Boogaard also backed the decision - and said everyone in the Mutitjulu community had access to a community store or fuel station to buy essential groceries.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles said that 418 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the Northern Territory yesterday.
This is down from a record 625 cases in the previous 24 hours.
NSW reported 32,297 new infections new cases on Wednesday, while the state of Victoria had 20,769 new Covid cases.
Australia had its highest one-day death toll from the pandemic on Tuesday, with 77 fatalities reported.
That figure included 36 deaths in NSW, 22 in Victoria, 16 in Queensland - more than double its previous high - two in South Australia and one in the Australian Capital Territory.
Professor Kelly, chief medical officer, said preparations were being carried out for a second rise of Omicron cases.
"I expect we will continue to see cases of Omicron right throughout the next few months, but it will be at a much lower level than it is now," Professor Kelly told ABC News.
"Just the sheer numbers of people that have got this virus and will largely be protected, at least partially, by having had this virus."
More than 5.3 million Australian citizens have received their booster vaccine since the rollout of the third dose began in November.
