The ACT has managed the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic exceptionally well. Having no active COVID-19 cases in the ACT at the start of May is a scenario that has exceeded expectations. It is a reflection of our community’s dedication to physical distancing, as well as the hard work of the many health professionals that have spent the past six weeks testing patients and contact tracing.
However, the reality we must still accept is that it’s not over yet. Until there is a vaccine, there will always be a risk that we may return to unsustainable daily increases.
The essential public health measures in place over the past four weeks have placed a strain on the wellbeing of many Canberrans. Jobs have been lost, lives has been turned upside down and many have been deprived of physical interaction with family and friends.
Changes to ACT Restrictions
We need to ensure that, as we respond to the pandemic, restrictions have to be sustainable in the long term.
With this in mind, the reasons for Canberrans to be outside their family home will be broadened from this weekend, allowing Canberrans to leave their home for non-essential shopping purposes.
This measure will support retail stores as they re-open (whilst maintaining appropriate physical distancing inside their stores). Many retailers voluntarily closed their doors to support community efforts to suppress the virus. Soon many will re-open and the community is encouraged to support them whilst maintaining physical distancing.
Restrictions on gatherings inside the family home will be relaxed to allow families to visit each other with two adults plus children able to visit outside of those who ordinarily live in a property.
With travel restrictions eased in NSW, Canberrans should only travel outside of the Canberra region to visit family and friends in small groups while maintaining physical distancing. As much as possible, travel outside of the Canberra region should be carefully considered, as someone bringing the virus into the Territory from interstate remains one of the biggest threats to the ACT.
