ACT Health is urging the community to continue to look out for one another following the end of mandatory COVID-19 isolation on Friday (14 October).
In a statement, Health said that while isolation was no longer mandatory for people who tested positive to COVID-19, it was still strongly recommended that anyone with symptoms (including runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever) stay home and get tested.
Throwing her support behind the Directorate, Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said supporting at-risk Canberrans was a priority.
“As mandatory isolation for COVID-19 comes to an end, the ACT Government understands that some people are feeling anxious about the changes,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Our very high vaccination rates and good access to effective anti-viral medications provide protection for individuals against becoming seriously ill and put us in a strong position to manage COVID-19 and its impacts,” she said.
“However, Canberrans should still take measures to protect those at risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said positive Rapid Antigen Test results still needed to be reported to ACT Health so that further advice and support could be provided.
She advised Canberrans who were unwell or had tested positive, not visit people at high risk of severe illness, including anyone in hospital or an aged care or disability care facility, for at least seven days after a positive COVID-19 test.
“If it is absolutely necessary to visit these facilities, people should seek advice from the facility in the first instance,” the Minister said.
“Face masks also continue to be mandatory in these settings.”
Minister for Disability, Emma Davison said for people with disability, older Canberrans, and carers, “COVID is not over”.
“Their safety must be the single most important thing we are all thinking of as mandates end and restrictions ease,” Ms Davidson said.
“We all have a role to protect ourselves and those at a higher risk in the community as COVID-19 continues to spread,” she said.
“Please practice COVID-smart habits such as washing and sanitising your hands, staying home if feeling unwell and maintaining physical distance where possible.”
