Minister Barr: Border restrictions to keep Canberrans safe
- Written by ACT Government
Released 06/07/2020
The decision by New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria to introduce border restrictions is welcomed by the ACT Government. It will significantly reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading from Victoria into the Canberra region.
To support this decision, the ACT Government will further strengthen the border protections put in place last week. From Midnight on Tuesday, anyone travelling to the ACT from Victoria will be denied entry unless they receive an exemption from either the NSW Government or the ACT Government.
Residents of the ACT or NSW will be able to return home, but they will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.Further details will be finalised over the next 24 hours, and we will strive for consistency with NSW.
We are also strongly advising Canberrans to not travel to Victoria for any reason other than absolutely essential purposes. Once you return to the ACT, you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
We anticipate that these arrangements will only remain in place whilst the NSW and Victoria border is closed.
It's important now that we do everything that we can to protect our community and support Victoria, and the rest of the nation, in stopping the spread of the virus.
Public Health Emergency Extended for ACT
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith has extended the ACT's Public Health Emergency Declaration in response to COVID-19 for a further 45 days.
The extended Public Health Emergency will allow the Chief Health Officer to continue to take any action, or give any direction, deemed necessary to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.
"We have responded incredibly well to COVID-19 so far and are in a good position. However, we know COVID-19 continues to pose a significant risk to public health and the ACT community. This is a signal to the community that this pandemic is not over and that we must continue to be vigilant.
"Extending the directions will allow us to respond quickly and appropriately if there were to be an outbreak of new cases in the ACT.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
