Canberrans are being asked to wear masks and reconsider plans to travel interstate as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said while the ACT was yet to record a case of COVID-19 as a result of the NSW outbreak (accurate as of 30 June), thousands of people in the Territory had indicated that they’d recently been in Greater Sydney.
“With COVID-19 cases now in multiple jurisdictions across Australia, people need to be alert and be prepared for the situation to change,” Mr Barr said.
“There are a number of indoor settings that a face mask will be required,” he said.
“However, if you have any doubt about whether a mask is required or not, put one on.”
Mr Barr announced changes to the visitor policy at health facilities, which came into effect yesterday (30 June), limiting visitors to one per patient, per day.
The Chief Minister said patients attending an outpatient and/or a community health clinic should attend alone and if patients required a support person, it should be limited to one person.
“Please remember to stay home if unwell, get tested for COVID-19 if you experience even the mildest of symptoms and practice good hand and respiratory hygiene,” he said.
“When out in Canberra, make sure that you are using the Check In CBR app.”
Mr Barr said people should reconsider their travel to other parts of Australia as more COVID-19 exposure locations were being added every day.
He said people who chose to travel must abide by all public health directions in place in the State or Territory they visited as well as the ACT.
“This may include changing your travel plans and adhering to public health instructions upon your return,” he said.
Mr Barr also noted that recently returned travellers from certain parts of the country were subject to stay-at-home orders, including travellers from Greater Sydney (NSW); the Blue Mountains (NSW); Central Coast (NSW); Wollongong (NSW); Perth (WA); Peel (WA); parts of South East Queensland, from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast; Townsville (QLD); Magnetic Island (QLD); Palm Island (QLD); City of Darwin (NT); City of Palmerston (NT); and Litchfield LGAs (NT).
Further information on COVID-19 health orders, including interstate exposure sites, can be accessed at this PS News link.
