Mandatory face mask requirements will ease in Canberra from 6pm today, Friday 25 February, largely bringing the ACT into line with similar requirements in NSW.
Mask requirements will still be mandatory in the ACT within the following “high-impact” settings:
• On public transport, including buses, light rail, taxis, rideshare and demand response vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles must wear a mask when transporting passengers
• An employee or visitor in a high-risk setting, including hospitals, residential aged care facilities, correctional facilities or residential accommodation facilities
• A worker who provides services to a person with a disability
• A worker for in-home and community aged care providers
• A staff member or visitor in all indoor spaces at a school or early childhood education and care setting and students in years 7 to 12 are also required to wear a face mask while in an indoor space at school
• Inside the Canberra Airport terminal or on a domestic flight in or out of Canberra Airport
ACT students in years 7 to 12 are still required to wear a mask in indoor spaces at school for now.
The NSW Government announced that mask mandates for students will be lifted next week.
From Friday 25 February at 11.59pm, anyone who tests positive to a rapid antigen test (RAT) must report their results to ACT Health via the form at covid19.act.gov.au, and must isolate for seven days.
Event restrictions easing further
Additionally, from Friday 25 February at 11.59pm, organisers of events with more than 2,000 attendees will no longer be required to seek an exemption – as long as the event is ticketed, attendees pre-register, or use the Check In CBR app.
For all events with more than 5,000 people, organisers will still be required to submit their COVID Safety Plans for review by ACT Health.
Use of the Check-In CBR app at organised events that are not ticketed or pre-registered, such as conferences, markets, music and cultural events, is still required. By the end of February, an update to Check In CBR will enable app notifications about potential COVID-19 exposures so Canberrans know to monitor for symptoms.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said masks are still highly recommended despite the easing of public health measures.
“We’ve seen strong compliance with the face mask mandate over recent months,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Canberrans are encouraged to continue wearing a face mask in public indoor settings, particularly where it may be difficult to maintain appropriate physical distancing. Workplaces should consider what mask wearing policies they should implement consistent with the requirements under the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Act, both for employees and any clients or visitors who may visit their premises.
“This is particularly important for businesses that employ staff with customer-facing roles, and especially for those who are likely to be interacting with vulnerable community members. Information to assist businesses, venues and organisations in developing and updating COVID Safety Plans can be found on the Business Hub.”
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