From today, Friday 14 October, Canberrans who test positive to COVID-19 will no longer have to isolate.
While staying home is no longer mandatory, Canberrans are being urged to use their best judgement. The ACT Government are still encouraging anyone who is experiencing covid like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever) to stay home and get tested for the virus.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith says the ACT is in a strong position to move forward with the pandemic response by lifting the isolation requirements.
Ms Stephen-Smith says the ACT is highly vaccinated and have access to treatments, both of which provide protection against becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital.
The step down process is the next move in a staged approach of managing COVID-19 in a similar way to other infectious diseases.
“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,” says Ms Stephen-Smith.
She acknowledged that there are still members of the community who remain at risk of severe illness, and some measures will remain to protect vulnerable people.
These include people over the age of 12 wearing face masks when attending a high risk setting and the mandatory reporting of positive Rapid Antigen Tests to ACT Health.
There are no restrictions for household contacts however as they are at a higher risk of catching the virus they are asked to take precautions.
This includes wearing a mask when on public transport and indoor spaces, test regularly, avoid high risk settings and monitor closely for any symptoms.
“I also continue to remind all Canberrans about the importance of practising COVID Smart behaviours. Everyone can play their part to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses to others,” says Ms Stephen-Smith.
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