Despite no new cases of COVID-19 having been recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, Canberrans are being urged to remain vigilant and to continue complying with restrictions this weekend.
The ACT’s total is still 103, of which 88 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation. This is now 85% of all confirmed cases in the ACT. The last new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the ACT was announced on 13 April.
There is currently one COVID-19 patient in the Canberra Hospital. 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 6,753.
As at 6am today (18 April), there was a total of 6,533 confirmed cases in Australia. Of these, 67 have died and 3,819 have been reported as recovered from COVID-19. More than 396,000 tests have been conducted nationwide. To date, the majority of confirmed cases in all states and territories were acquired overseas.
Remaining vigilant
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman thanked Canberrans for their efforts but emphasised the need to continue working to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the ACT.
“We are in a very good position, but I remind people to not become complacent,” Dr Coleman said.
“This weekend, please only go out for essential reasons, comply with the rules of physical distancing and practise good hand and respiratory hygiene.
“This is not the time to travel to the coast, interstate or gather in large groups with family and friends.
“Maintaining these measures is helping to flatten the curve and is critical in protecting our most vulnerable community members.”
General information
ACT Health is continuing to take appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines.
ACT Health advises 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.
Canberrans are encouraged 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.
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