The Territory’s pathway out of lockdown has been updated, with Canberrans to have greater freedoms from 15 October.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT’s Pathway Forward outlined the gradual easing of restrictions which would commence once 80 per cent of people over the age of 12 were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“These steps will see us transition from high, to medium, low and finally baseline public health measures,” Mr Barr said.
“Subject to the public health risk remaining relatively stable in the next two weeks, the ACT’s lockdown will end at 11:59pm on Thursday 14 October, triggering a transition to medium level public health measures,” he said.
“From 15 October, five people will be able to visit another household at any one time, and 25 people will be able to gather outdoors.”
Mr Barr said that from that date, licensed venues, cafes and restaurants would be able to operate seated service at a maximum capacity of one person per 4 sqm, capped at 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
He said personal services such as hairdressers could recommence services with a maximum of five customers at any one time.
“All non-essential retail will continue operating under click & collect or click & deliver services, but the maximum staffing capacity inside a business premise will go from five to 10 people,” he said.
Mr Barr said the 25-person cap and 4sqm metre rule would also apply to gyms; weddings; outdoor play centres; places of worship; outdoor auctions; and community centres and facilities.
He said up to 50 people would be able to attend funerals subject to the 4sqm rule, accommodation providers would be able reopen and swimming pools could reopen for organised lessons with a maximum of 25 swimmers.
“As the national vaccination average climbs towards 80 per cent in late October, the ACT will continue to gradually reduce the level of public health safety measures,” he said.
“From 29 October, subject to the public health risk at the time, a number of businesses and activities will be able to move towards more relaxed density and capacity limits.”
Mr Barr said further changes would be considered as the ACT’s vaccination rate passed 90 per cent.
Further information on the ACT’s Pathway Forward can be accessed at this PS News link.
