ACT Public Health Emergency extended 18 May

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith has announced a further extension of the ACT Public Health Emergency for 90 days, effective until 16 August 2021.

The decision to extend the Public Health Emergency has been made based on advice provided by the ACT Health Chief Health Officer and recognises that COVID-19 poses an ongoing risk to the ACT community.

The extension of the emergency declaration enables the Chief Health Officer to continue to take appropriate action, or give any direction, necessary to protect the health and safety of Canberrans.

While we remain in a good position in the ACT, it is likely we will continue to see cases and clusters of COVID-19 across the country. Extending the Public Health Emergency Declaration ensures the Chief Health Officer can continue to take action in response to potential outbreaks.

As more Canberrans become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination, our focus will be on increasing capacity and improving operations for the vaccine roll out.

The ACT Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth Government and other healthcare providers to ensure we can deliver a safe, effective and accessible COVID-19 vaccine program in the ACT.

As restrictions continue to ease across the country and with more people travelling, we must not be complacent.

We must continue to practise the COVID safe behaviours that have become so familiar to us – keep your physical distance where possible, practice good hand hygiene, stay home if you are unwell and get tested for any COVID-19 symptoms.

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