As the ACT welcomes another day with no new COVID-19 cases being recorded overnight, this is no time for complacency, warns Acting ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Vanessa Johnston.
While it was important to note the achievements and good work of Canberrans in the fight against COVID-19, Dr Johnson said this was not the time to be complacent.
“The pandemic is not over and we must remain vigilant,” she said.
“We can be rightly proud of the hard work and responsible decisions Canberrans have been making throughout this pandemic. But now is not the time to take it easy. We only need to have a look at what is happening in Victoria and NSW to see how the situation can change quickly if people don’t do the right thing.
“Our continued success in the fight against this virus relies on Canberrans maintaining this effort in the weeks and months ahead. Physical distancing and good hygiene practices are our best defences against the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr Johnston also again reminded everyone to stay home if they are unwell.
“You may think it’s just a cold, but you must stay home if you are unwell. Don’t go to work or to the shops. Go and get tested.
“We also expect all workplaces to encourage their employees to stay home if they are unwell.”
Confirmed cases update
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT’s total at 113. There is one active case in the ACT and noCOVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals.
A total of 109 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT and the Territory’s death toll remains at three.
The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 48,127.
Health advice on NSW
A Public Health Direction remains in place for a number of affected locations in NSW. This Direction legally requires anyone who has been in some of the affected locations identified by NSW Health, to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date they were there, even if they do not have any symptoms.
At this time, these locations are:
- Batemans Bay Soldiers Club – Monday 13 July, Wednesday 15 July to Friday 17 July.
- Crossroads Hotel in Casula – between Friday 3 July to Friday 10 July.
- Planet Fitness in Casula – between Saturday 4 July and Friday 10 July.
- Picton Hotel in Picton – on Saturday 4 July, Sunday 5 July, Thursday 9 July or Friday 10 July.
People who visited these locations on the specified dates are asked to get in contact with ACT Health through the COVID-19 Helpline on (02) 6207 7244 so we can support individuals through their quarantine. These people are also encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 – even if they have no symptoms.
This Public Health Direction is available on the ACT COVID19 website.
In addition to the above legal direction, the ACT Government also strongly advises anyone who has visited locations identified by NSW Health to follow the advice being provided by the New South Wales authorities. The situation is rapidly evolving, so keep up to date the latest NSW Health Advice.
ACT residents are reminded not to travel to areas where COVID-19 outbreaks are occurring in NSW.
General information
AT Health again asks Canberrans to remember four requirements in the coming weeks:
- Avoid large crowds;
- Keep 1.5 metres apart whenever possible;
- Continue good hand and respiratory hygiene; and
- 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.
The ACT Government would also like to remind Canberrans that the existing advice regarding Victoria remains in place – if you have been to Victoria within the past 14 days you must notify ACT Health before returning to the ACT. For more information on the legal requirements for quarantine and for information for travellers entering the ACT please visit https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/news-articles/act-border-restrictions.
