Canberrans are to receive more freedoms from 11.59pm tonight (11 November) as the Territory reaches its 95 per cent COVID-19 vaccination goal.
Announced by Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, the next stage of the ACT’s reopening plan has been brought forward by two weeks.
Mr Barr said the changes meant there would be no more limits on home visits or informal outdoor gatherings.
“Indoor and outdoor entertainment venues with fixed seating will be able to host events at 100 per cent seated capacity,” he said.
“Restrictions on cinemas and swimming pools will be relaxed.
“Organised sport can recommence with one per two square metres in indoor settings.”
Mr Barr said the Territory would move to a default one person per two square metre density limit across most indoor settings and industries, including hospitality and retail.
The Chief Minister said density limits would no longer apply to outdoor spaces for most activities and events would be able to welcome more people before requiring an exemption.
Mr Barr said drinking while standing would be permitted at licensed venues, cafés and restaurants.
“Nightclubs can reopen,” he said.
“Dancing is back.”
Mr Barr said these ‘baseline’ measures were anticipated to remain in place over the Christmas period and would be reviewed in late January.
He said face masks would only be required in high-risk settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities; on public transport; in schools; and in some businesses settings.
“However, wearing a face mask is a simple and practical way to minimise transmission of the virus, and the Government will be encouraging Canberrans to continuing wearing face masks indoors in crowded settings,” Mr Barr said.
