The ACT is standing strong on its border restrictions with Victoria, today confirming it will wait a full two weeks from when the southern state will ease restrictions on 8 November before opening.
The comments today from the ACT’s Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman follow an announcement from the NSW Government on its plan to open the Victorian border on 23 November.
“While the situation in Victoria continues to improve, the ACT will maintain border restrictions until we are able to assess the immediate impact of eased restrictions due to commence in Victoria on 8 November 2020,” Dr Coleman said.
“In line with NSW, the ACT will wait a full two weeks before making changes to border restrictions; this will allow enough time for ACT Health to assess the immediate impact of restrictions and ensures we keep consistent with the NSW approach.”
The ACT has recorded another day with no new cases of COVID-19 since the last case was confirmed on 22 October.
Currently, anyone wishing to enter the ACT from Victoria is required to apply for an exemption prior to their travel, with a possible two-week self-quarantine period.
“In the meantime, the ACT — together with all other jurisdictions — continues to maintain border restrictions with Victoria,” Dr Coleman said.
“Anyone coming to Canberra [from Victoria] must apply for exemption through our COVID-19 website. If a person is granted approval to travel to the ACT, their exemption documentation will specify the quarantine requirements.
“People who reside in, or have spent time in, a restricted area or in a COVID-19 area of concern within Victoria will be required to complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine period while people outside those areas may not be required to quarantine.”
Dr Kerryn Coleman also reminded Canberrans of their responsibility to maintain social distancing and good hygiene, and of their commitment to remind interstate family and friends of current restrictions.
“For any Canberrans expecting family or friends from Victoria, please to remind them of the need to seek exemption,” she said.
“This is also an important reminder that anyone coming to the ACT at this time must fly from Melbourne as the border is still closed to driving unless NSW has granted a permit to permit driving.”
