The level of restrictions in the ACT will remain at Step 3.1 for at least the next two weeks, following the ACT Government’s COVID Safe Checkpoint assessment undertaken yesterday as part of Canberra’s Recovery Plan.
“The ACT remains in a good position, with no active cases in the ACT and no new cases in more than seven weeks,” said ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman.
“The control measures are working, including physical distancing between different groups, good hand and respiratory hygiene and staying home if unwell,” she said.
“However, the situation can change quickly, either here or in neighbouring jurisdictions. We continue to closely monitor the evolving situations in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, and the challenges they are facing. The ACT does not exist in isolation and we need to consider the situation surrounding us as well as within the ACT.
“While there is another COVID Safe Checkpoint in two weeks, this same level of restrictions is likely to be needed in the ACT for the near future. However, this should not stop the community from enjoying the change to spring; the warmer weather, longer days, sunshine and the good company of family and friends in a COVID-safe way.
“We can continue eating out at restaurants and getting together with friends, as long as we keep practising good physical distancing. We can continue to gather with family and friends at a local park or by the lake, or head out on a hike through our nature reserves, as long as we maintain physical distancing between other groups of people who are enjoying the same space.
“By ensuring different groups remain at least 1.5 metres from other tables or groups, we reduce the chance of people who don’t normally spend time together mingling.
“It is important we maintain these measures to keep the ACT in a strong position to respond quickly, if needed,” Dr Coleman said.
General information
ACT Health reminds anyone who has been outside the ACT to monitor the health website of the jurisdiction they visited for updates on locations where confirmed cases have spent time while potentially infectious and where alerts may be in place. Please adhere to the health advice on those websites. In particular, take note of the latest areas in Queensland and NSW.
Likewise, if you intend travelling, please monitor the jurisdiction’s website. The advice on affected areas is changing regularly, so keep up to date with the latest advice. Please be mindful and aware of how easily the virus spreads.
ACT Health advises that it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the health advice and do what we can to ensure we keep ourselves and the community safe. Canberrans are asked to:
1. Avoid large crowds
2. Keep 1.5 metres apart whenever possible
3. Continue good hand and respiratory hygiene and
4. Stay home if you are unwell and get tested if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
The ACT Government has 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 also has a helpline to assist Canberrans through the challenges of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Helpline is (02) 6207 7244 and is available between 8am and 8pm daily.
