More than two and a half years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the ACT is no longer in a state of public health emergency. Some public health measures will remain to protect those most at risk of severe health outcomes from COVID-19.
ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has revoked the public health emergency she declared in March 2020, and transitioned the Territory’s public health response to a COVID 19 Management Declaration.
This allows the ACT Government, including Ms Stephen-Smith, and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman to implement vaccination, public health social measures, and test, segregation, or isolation requirements to alleviate the public health risk posed by COVID-19.
The ACT Government still considers COVID-19 a serious risk to public health, and believes ongoing surveillance and management of the virus is necessary as Canberra transitions to living with the virus.
“The new COVID-19 settings are part of our staged plan to managing COVID-19 in a similar way to other infectious diseases like influenza,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Canberrans should be reassured that if there is any significant development in relation to COVID-19, we will continue to take appropriate actions to keep our community safe, just as we have throughout the pandemic.”
Changes from today
Face masks no longer need to be worn on public and shared transport such as buses, light rail, taxis, and ride share. ACT Health recommends people wear a mask if they cannot physically distance.
Household contacts no longer need to report their status to ACT Health.
COVID safety plans are no longer required for Canberra businesses and events. Planning tools will remain available, and ACT Health recommends businesses maintain an up-to-date COVID-19 safety plan to manage the risk for staff, visitors and customers.
Vaccine mandates will no longer apply for workers in aged care facilities or disability care settings. Employers will now need to consider whether they wish to implement their own vaccination requirements in their employment policy or work health and safety settings.
The Kambah COVID-19 drive through testing centre will permanently close at 4pm today (Friday 30 September).
The operating hours at the ACT’s remaining testing centres will be reduced from tomorrow (Saturday 1 October).
PCR testing will be prioritised for those most at risk from severe illness from COVID-19.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are readily available for anyone else with symptoms of COVID-19, including from the Mitchell and Garran testing centres.
Canberrans must report positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) to ACT Health as soon as possible.
Ms Stephen-Smith encouraged anyone needing a test to check the ACT COVID-19 website to confirm COVID-19 testing locations, opening hours, and testing advice before they head to a testing centre.
If people have any COVID-19 symptoms, they should get tested for COVID-19 and stay at home.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT community had responded incredibly well in its fight against COVID-19 since the public health emergency was declared in March 2020.
“This is the next stage in our COVID-19 response. There will need to be ongoing support for Canberrans who are most vulnerable to COVID-19, and a mechanism that allows the Government to swiftly implement the public health measures that have proven to be highly successful in suppressing the virus in the Territory.”
The COVID-19 Management Declaration comes into effect under changes to the Public Health Act 1997, that came into effect earlier this year.
For more information, visit http://www.covid19.act.gov.au.
