Outdoor spaces and venues will be allowed to abide by the ‘two-square metre rule’ (down from four square metres) as restrictions ease slightly from tomorrow, Friday 9 October, the ACT Chief Health Officer announced today.

The changes to the density limit will allow venues to have one person for every two square metres of usable space up to a maximum of 200 people, and will come into effect from 9am tomorrow along with other changes as part of Step 3.2 of the ACT’s roadmap.

In announcing the two-square metre rule ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said there is “considerable evidence” that outdoor spaces present a lower risk of transmission of COVID-19.

“On that basis, given our COVID-19 situation remains stable, I am confident we can increase the density of people outdoors, and do so in a safe manner with appropriate COVID safety plans in place,” she said.

“We know this move is an important change for many businesses, events and activities that will further support a return to business as usual in a COVID safe manner.”

Dr Coleman also encouraged venues to make use of the Check In CBR app to collect information for contact tracing.

From tomorrow, all indoor gatherings can increase to 200 people with one person per four square metres of usable space, and medium-sized hospitality venues with total usable space between 101 and 200 square metres will be able to have 50 people in the venue excluding staff.

Other changes will benefit larger venues, with indoor seated venues such as the Canberra Theatre able to have ticketed events for 50% capacity up to 1,000 people, while cinemas can sell up to 50% capacity per theatre up to 200 people.  

Enclosed outdoor venues can have up to 50% capacity up to 1,000 people, while GIO Stadium and Manuka Oval can have crowds of no more than 50% capacity.

For more information visit the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website.