[Note: ACT Health has issued a correction to the date of the last previous case; it has been corrected from 25 April to 4 May.]
The ACT has recorded its first new case of COVID-19 since 4 May, which will be recorded as “overseas acquired”. It brings the ACT’s total to 108.
The individual is a male aged in his 40s who recently returned from overseas. He has been in quarantine since his arrival from overseas. A small number of close contacts have been identified and, in accordance with the National Guidelines, are in quarantine.
A total of 104 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation.
There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals.
The ACT has recorded three deaths.
The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 20,379.
Further information on new case
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said this most recent case will be recorded as overseas acquired.
“We are confident there has been no risk to the broader ACT community,” Dr Coleman said.
“The case is, however, a good reminder of the ongoing pandemic and the need for our community to continue to observe physical distancing and hygiene measures, and for people to stay home if they are unwell.
“The case is also a demonstration of how important it is for us to maintain a high level of testing in the community.
“Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should attend one of our testing centres to be tested.
“We expect that as restrictions are lifted and the movement of people around Australia increases, it is likely that cases will continue to be diagnosed around Australia, including in the ACT. The ACT will continue to have a strong and rapid public health response to any new cases,” said Dr Coleman.
General information
ACT Health is continuing to take appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines and reminds Canberrans that “Restrictions have eased but your responsibilities haven’t”.
ACT Health advises:
“We know people are eager to leave their homes and it is understandable that people want to get out and about, however we must remember that it only takes one person with COVID-19 to come into contact with others to create a cluster and potentially start a new wave of COVID-19. We don’t want to go backwards so it is important people don’t become complacent or careless with their actions.
“We again ask Canberrans to remember four requirements in any situation they face in the coming weeks:
- Avoid large crowds – gather in groups of no more than 10 people;
- Keep 1.5 metres apart whenever possible;
- Continue good hand and respiratory hygiene; and
- Stay home if you are unwell and get tested if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.”
The ACT Government has 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 also has a helpline to assist Canberrans through the challenges of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Helpline is 02 6207 7244 and open between 8am and 8pm daily.
We encourage all Canberrans to continue to stay up to date on developments through the COVID-19 website, ACT Health social media channels and by subscribing to our weekly newsletter at www.act.gov.au/our-canberra/subscribe-to-our-canberra.
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.
