Vulnerable Canberrans are being encouraged to speak to their employers about work-from- home arrangements as the Territory faces an expected surge in COVID-19 cases.
Following the National Cabinet meeting last week, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the surge was being driven by the latest COVID-19 variant.
“Combined with the seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses, it is placing pressure on the health system in every State and Territory,” Mr Barr said.
“Right now, the objective is to flatten the curve as much as possible,” he said.
“With some simple measures, we can support vulnerable members of our community.”
Mr Barr said simple measures like keeping up to date with vaccinations, testing for COVID-19 and working from home when symptomatic would help protect the ACT’s strained health system and keep important public services operational.
The Chief Minister said masks were mandated in high risk settings and for high risk individuals outside their home.
“In medium risk settings (indoors where physical distancing is not possible) Canberrans should also wear a mask,” he said.
“Vulnerable Canberrans should speak to their employers about working from home arrangements.”
Mr Barr said the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments would work together to extend a number of important initiatives, including the continuation of Disaster Leave payments until 30 September and free rapid antigen tests for people who couldn’t afford them.
“Elimination of the virus has proven to be impossible and new strains of the virus will continue to reach Australia,” he said.
“However, with vaccines that prevent a large number of people from needing life-saving healthcare, and public health measures that can manage the spread of the virus, we can maintain an effective response.”
