Low-level public health social measures will be further eased in the ACT for recovered COVID-19 cases and international travellers next week.

 From 11:59pm on Monday 4 April, the following changes will take effect:

Quarantine and isolation arrangements for people diagnosed with COVID-19

•           People who have recovered from COVID-19 are exempted from further isolation and quarantine requirements for 12 weeks, rather than eight weeks, after they become a cleared case.

International travellers

•           Vaccinated travellers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the 13 weeks before they travelled to Australia will no longer need a test for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival. Currently, this period is nine weeks.

International air crew will no longer need COVID-19 testing if their next flight out of Australia is within 48 hours of entry.

Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 years and 2 months to 17 years who are travelling unaccompanied or with a vaccinated adult will no longer need to notify ACT Health of their arrival. Nor will they need to quarantine for seven days. 

Dr Vanessa Johnston, Acting ACT Chief Health Officer, said ACT Health continues to review health measures to ensure they reflect the current COVID-19 situation in the ACT. 

“While case numbers have increased in recent weeks, it is a promising sign that our hospital and ICU cases have remained stable, which is why we have been able to make some minor additional changes to our public health requirements. 

“These changes also reflect the most up-to-date advice from the Communicable Diseases Network Australia, and align with what is being implemented in other jurisdictions, including NSW.”

Administrative processes will be streamlined for individuals seeking a mandatory vaccination exemption due to medical reasons.

Some low-level measures remain in place, and Check In CBR remains mandatory at bars, pubs, and clubs.

Masks are required in some settings including on public transport, when using ride share, at schools, and in other high-risk locations.

“As we move into autumn, I remind people to keep up their COVID Smart behaviours,” Dr Johnston said. “Stay home if unwell, wash your hands, and wear a mask indoors or anywhere you can’t physically distance. Make sensible choices to help protect yourself and those around you.

“Remaining COVID Smart helps reduce the spread of the virus and means we can keep doing the things we enjoy.”