An update has been issued to this story on Monday 13 April 1.30pm.
The ACT’s confirmed cases total has been reduced to 102* after no new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the past 24 hours (to midday Sunday 12 April) and one previously confirmed case was determined to not have COVID-19 after further investigation and testing.
A total of 67 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation. This is more than 60% of all confirmed cases in the ACT.
There are currently three COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The remainder are isolating at home with ACT Health support.
There is a total of two cases under investigation and ACT Health are awaiting further test results before we can determine their status.
The ACT has recorded two deaths.
The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 6,159.
*Reduction in total confirmed cases
The total for the ACT has been reduced from 103 to 102 confirmed cases after further investigation of a previously confirmed case has resulted in ACT Health concluding that they do not have COVID-19.
ACT Health has taken a very precautionary approach to classifying indeterminate tests that indicate a probable positive result.
In cases where the clinical history and an indeterminate test result indicate they are more likely to be a case than not, the individual is classified as a confirmed case until further investigation and testing can provide a more definitive result.
Where further testing definitively determines the individual does not have COVID-19, the case is reclassified as a negative result.
Remaining vigilant
Acting ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Vanessa Johnston thanked Canberrans for their efforts in helping flatten the curve but has again reminded the community that “we need to continue the good work to protect vulnerable people”.
“Our actions are creating meaningful impact and Canberrans should be proud of their continued efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. We must stay on track and not fall in the trap of becoming complacent,” Dr Johnston said.
“Please remain vigilant and stay home for the remainder of this Easter long weekend. Do not travel to the coast or interstate or gather in large groups with family and friends.
“If you do need to go out for essential reasons, then complying with the rules on physical distancing and practising good hand and respiratory hygiene are the most important tools in slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
General information
ACT Health is continuing to take appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines.
ACT Health continues to advise that: “It’s important for Canberrans to remain calm and keep informed, and to keep focussed on the practical things we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and the most vulnerable in our community”.
The ACT Government has established a dedicated COVID- 19 website for all information about the health and economic response to the pandemic in the ACT. For further information, visit www.covid19.act.gov.au.
The ACT Government has also established a new helpline to assist Canberrans through the challenges of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Helpline operates on 02 6207 7244 between 8am and 8pm daily.
The government encourages all Canberrans to continue to stay up to date on developments through the COVID-19 website, as well as ACT Health social media channels.
People who are concerned and want further information on the virus, can also call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For details on how the ACT stats compare to other jurisdictions across Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website. This information is updated daily.
For more stories about the impact of COVID-19 on Canberra:
