The ACT Government has extended its COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration (PHED) for a further 90 days, until 13 May.

ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman advised that the extension is necessary due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19 to the Canberra community.

The ACT Government is also maintaining the current “low level public health social measures” until Friday 25 February, saying these measures help to limit virus transmission during a period of increased movement in the community, as Canberrans return to school and work.

“Extending the PHED is part of our ongoing pandemic response and enables the Chief Health Officer to continue to take appropriate action, and make public health directions that are necessary to protect the health and safety of Canberrans,” said Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health.

“We are cautiously optimistic about the current COVID-19 situation in the ACT. However, we need to maintain effective test, trace, isolate and quarantine measures as well as public health social measures to reduce the risk of widespread transmission of the Omicron variant, and to protect those most vulnerable in our community.

“This extension also means we can be prepared in the event of a new or re-emerging strain of the virus as we head towards winter and cold and flu season.

“The ACT Government continues to work closely with the Chief Health Officer to ensure our public health response reflects the current situation and balances the need to slow the spread of the virus with the needs of business, industry and community.”

The PHED extension also extends the mandatory conditions of employment for some workforces in the ACT to be fully vaccinated. These are:

• Residential aged care workers
• Primary school and early childhood education and care staff
• Hospital, hospice, Canberra Health Services and patient transport workers
• Disability support workers, as well as aged-care workers who provide in-home support.

“Hospitality and licensed businesses (including cafes, bars, nightclubs and indoor entertainment venues) need to continue to ensure patrons are seated while eating and drinking. Dancing at these venues is not permitted,” said Ms Stephen-Smith.

“Canberrans are also being asked to continue to work from home, where this is appropriate for them and their employer, for the remainder of February.

“A further review of public health social measures will be considered over the coming weeks.

The extension means the PHED remains in place until 13 May 2022. Further information is available on the ACT COVID-19 website at www.covid19.act.gov.au.

Meanwhile, AAP reports that authorities in Sweden, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates have announced an easing in coronavirus restrictions.

Canberra Liberal MLA Leanne Castley, Shadow Minister for Health, said: “The health of Canberrans and their families is my number one priority, which is why the Canberra Liberals have always respected and followed the Chief Health Officer’s advice.”

Local businesses are already struggling under restrictions.

John-Paul Romano, chairman of the  Inner-South Canberra Business Council, said: “The Government is imposing restrictions on hospitality businesses and telling people to work from home, yet providing no ongoing support for businesses or rental protections for them. With lowering case numbers, it is time for the Government to support local businesses or risk several more prominent businesses closing every week.”

Phillip Business Community president Tom Adam said the PBC would “continue to demand that the ACT Government (Treasurer and Chief Minister) stop ignoring the pleas of small business groups for targeted support”. 

“It’s not fair for the Government to encourage people to work from home on one hand, then deny making that call has an impact on business on the other side,” Mr Adam said.

“Many businesses are still seeking support for the hardship felt in December and January, with the “Business Hardship Grants” making little dent into the devastating impacts of the massive drop in consumer confidence.

Mr Adam said ACT Business Minister Tara Cheyne‘s comments this week that the ACT was in a period of adjustment were disappointing.

“At no point have any of the MLA’s had a personal financial impact or need for adjustment – but hundreds of small business owners are still feeling it.”

For more news:

• Police seek witnesses following teens’ taxi theft
• Sweden ends COVID testing, UK to scrap isolation rules
• Video of Rolfe, Kumanjayi shooting shown to jury

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