The Public Health Emergency Declaration has been extended until 1.11pm on 30 September to allow Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman to reduce the threats to public health from COVID-19. This reflects the fact that the epidemiological situation remains uncertain, health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
New cases now average less than 1,000 per day – “positive news” – but this level of community transmission still poses a risk to community members, particularly those who are more at risk of severe outcomes, including older Canberrans and people with underlying health conditions.
Dr Coleman’s most recent monthly report to the minister recommended the Public Health Emergency Declaration be extended for 60 days from 11 August, to mid-October.
Ms Stephen-Smith, however, was confident Canberra would be in a strong position to step down to a COVID-19 Management Declaration Framework once out of the uncertain winter period.
The extension maintains current arrangements under the Public Health Emergency Declaration until 30 September. Further information is available on the ACT COVID-19 website at www.covid19.act.gov.au.
- ACT to step down from COVID-19 emergency declaration (7 June)
- ACT extends public health emergency declaration until 13 May (10 February)
Ms Stephen-Smith thanked Canberra businesses, workers, and the community for their support over winter as the health care system dealt with COVID, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses in the community.
Canberrans should continue practising COVID Smart behaviours to help minimise the impact of COVID-19 in the community, she urged.
Get tested and staying home when you are sick, be up to date with your vaccinations, wear a mask indoors where you can’t physically distance, and maintain good hand hygiene.
People at higher risk of poor outcomes should discuss with their health care provider about eligibility for COVID-19 treatments so they are well prepared if they get COVID-19.
