Life in the ACT is to take a few more steps back towards ‘normal’, with COVID-19 restrictions set to ease again on Friday (25 February).
Announcing the change, ACT Health said that, from 6pm Friday, masks would only be required on public transport; by employees or visitors in a high-risk setting; workers who provided services to a person with a disability; workers for in-home and community aged care providers; staff members or visitors in all indoor spaces at a schools or early childhood education and care setting; and inside the Canberra Airport terminal or on a domestic flight.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said exemption requirements for all events would also be removed.
This follows the easing of restrictions on 18 and 21 February, which saw all density limits on restricted businesses and activities removed; the requirement for patrons to remain seated while eating or drinking lifted; and ticketing and pre-registration requirements for events removed.
“The past few years have been a tumultuous time in the Territory, and we acknowledge that the impacts of COVID-19 have been felt differently across the city,” Mr Barr said.
“Our case numbers have steadied and we are cautiously optimistic about the autumn period,” he said.
“While we recognise the situation could change if a new variant of concern emerges, or there is a surge in cases, this step is designed to minimise the disruption of COVID-19 on our local businesses when it is safe to do so.”
Mr Barr said employees could now return to the workplace when it suited them and their employer
However, the Chief Minister warned that winter would present increased risks and the ACT would join national efforts to “prepare for a period where our health system may come under significant strain”.
Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said Canberrans could continue to support the public health response by recognising COVID-Smart behaviours.
“Through the Omicron wave, we’ve seen the protective effect of our world-leading vaccination rate and I’m confident Canberrans understand the simple actions and behaviours we can all take to protect ourselves and others,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Being COVID Smart also means recognising that some in our community are particularly vulnerable to poor outcomes from COVID-19 and it’s important to be considerate of those for whom easing of restrictions may create some anxiety,” she said.
