An update to this story was reported on 18 April.
The ACT has recorded its first case of local transmission of COVID-19 from an unknown source, but authorities are quick to point out that this does not point to community transmission in Canberra.
“Because this is only one case, it does not mean we have community transmission in Canberra,” said ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman.
“It is an indicator, though, that there is the possibility for community transmission, which is why we need to continue with the great work we have been doing as a community to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the ACT.
“Social distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene have been critical in helping us lower our rate of infection to where it is now.
“We are in a very good position currently in the ACT but we will also continue to review our surveillance methods, including our testing criteria, to make sure they continue to give us a good view of potential unknown cases of COVID-19 in our community.”
Dr Coleman said this case of local transmission was one of two cases under investigation.
“We have received back final test results in these two cases and have finalised both of these investigations,” she said.
“In the case of the ICU staff member, we can confirm that this individual acquired COVID-19 from a close contact.
“Both individuals did all of the right things in their specific circumstances and I thank them for their diligence.”
No new cases overnight
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours. The ACT’s total is still 103.
There has only been one new case in the ACT in the past seven days.
A total of 81 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation.
There are currently two COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The remainder are isolating at home with ACT Health support.
The ACT has recorded three deaths.
The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 6,651.
General information
ACT Health is continuing to take appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines.
ACT Health advises 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 helpline to assist Canberrans through the challenges of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Helpline is now live and will operate on 02 6207 7244 between 8am and 8pm daily.
We encourage all Canberrans to continue to stay up to date on developments through the new 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 on1800 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.
