ACT to enter week-long lockdown from tonight

The ACT will enter a seven-day lockdown from 5pm (AEST) tonight due to a positive COVID-19 case who has been infectious while in the community, along with positive wastewater detections.

The ACT government said the source of the infection is still unknown, and the lockdown will be the first one of its nature in the territory since the early days of the pandemic.

During this time Canberrans, are being asked to only leave their homes for essential reasons – essential employment, healthcare (including a COVID-19 vaccination), essential groceries and supplies, and up to one hour of outdoor exercise.

General retail will be closed, and hospitality venues will only be able to operate takeaway services.

“This is by far the most serious public health risk the ACT has faced in the past 12 months, and that’s why the ACT is introducing a strict lockdown in response to this positive case,” the government said in a statement.

“We have said throughout the outbreak in Greater Sydney that we would act quickly and decisively. We have seen that a short and immediate lockdown limits the potential spread of the virus, and is the best path to avoiding longer and more damaging lockdowns.

“We know from what we are seeing around Australia that the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is highly infectious and life-threatening.

“For the sake of your health, your families health and for the health of the community, it’s critical that Canberrans take every precaution they can over the coming days.

“That includes mandatory mask-wearing, which will be reintroduced in the ACT. It includes good hand hygiene and keeping your distance from other people.

“We are asking people to not have any family gatherings and do not have parties with friends. During this seven-day period, Canberrans should only be interacting with other people in your household.”

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