Thursday, 22 September 2022 will be a Public Holiday in the Indian Ocean Territories for the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This is a one-off national public holiday to allow people to pay their respects and commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service. It will coincide with a national memorial service for the Queen at Parliament House in Canberra.

A carrier needs a licence from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to operate facilities if they are used to supply telecommunications services to the public.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is working to update the COVID public health directions for Norfolk Island, following changes to national protocols.

National Cabinet announced the COVID-19 isolation requirements will change from 9 September 2022, reducing the isolation period for COVID-19 positive cases from seven days to five days, providing people have no symptoms. Workers in a healthcare setting must still isolate for seven days.

Mandatory mask-wearing on aircraft is also coming to an end.

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, and the end of a historic reign exemplified by duty, humility and service to the Commonwealth.

I know you will join me in offering our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who have not only lost their Queen, figurehead and matriarch, but a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

For many of us, Queen Elizabeth II was the only monarch we have ever known, and will forever hold a special place in our hearts for her dedication, compassion and commitment to the people she served.