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COVID-19 Update
Throughout the first stage of the pandemic, almost all Canberrans have listened to health advice on keeping safe. The ACT Government goals continue to be to guard against the spread of the virus, while keeping the economy open and people out of hospital and intensive care.
It’s heartbreaking to watch what is unfolding in Melbourne and the ACT Governments thoughts go out to fellow Australians. The situation across the immediate border in New South Wales (NSW) is also concerning – that's why we will continue to take a cautious approach.
This week has seen small, but daily, increases in cases in NSW, so the ACT Government will not further ease restrictions in the ACT at this time. The ACT Government will continue to monitor the situation across NSW over the coming days. Next week the ACT Chief Health Officer will provide updated advice on restrictions, and advance notice of any changes, so the community has time to prepare.
Canberrans urged to avoid unnecessary travel outside the ACT region.
With the situation evolving quickly in other jurisdictions, the ACT Government are updating our travel advice to include Greater Sydney. ACT residents are strongly advised not to travel to Greater Sydney at this time. Travel to this region should only be done for absolutely essential reasons.
As has been the case for several weeks, ACT residents are also strongly advised not to travel to Victoria at this time. Travel to Victoria should only be done for absolutely essential reasons.
Any ACT resident planning to return to the ACT from Victoria must notify ACT Health through the online form or the COVID-19 Helpline on (02) 6207 7244 and quarantine until 14 days after leaving Victoria have passed.
Avoiding unnecessary travel is just another measure we can all take to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 – in addition to the measures already in place, including maintaining physical distancing, practising good hand and respiratory hygiene, staying at home if you are unwell and getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Read the current travel and quarantine requirements.
New southside COVID-19 testing site open
A new drive through COVID-19 testing centre is now open on Jenke Circuit in Kambah. It will be open from 9.30am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Members of the public being testing for COVID-19 will remain in their cars. There is no risk to the local community and security staff will be present 24 hours a day.
A number of COVID-19 testing sites are already in place around the city to help Canberran's get tested quickly and easily.
Hospital visitor restrictions are keeping our most vulnerable safe
The ACT Government understand your wish to visit loved ones or accompany them to the hospital. In response to the changing circumstances with COVID-19, health facilities in the ACT have returned to tighter visitor restrictions until further notice. The decision to restrict visitors to our health services is always a difficult one, but it ensures the ACT Government can protect the health and safety of patients, staff and their loved ones.
Read about visitor restrictions.
Explore Canberra
If COVID-19 has affected your travel plans, now is the time to book a staycation and explore your own backyard.
Head to the other side of Lake Burley Griffin to tick off bucket list experiences, discover new favourites and support local businesses in the process.
Parts of Namadgi National Park now open to visitors
More than 80 per cent of Namadgi National Park was burnt during the Orroral Valley bushfire earlier this year. In the six months since, the ACT Government has been working to restore impacted areas.
The Corin and Naas/Boboyan Road precincts have now reopened, allowing access to popular sites, such as Gibraltar Falls, Corin Dam, Settlers Walking Track, Square Rock and more.
ACT rates instalments delayed
Rates assessments for 2020-21 have been delayed by up to three weeks to provide cash flow support to households and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rates notices will start being issued from 7 August, and will be payable one month after the date of issue.
The ACT Government also delayed issuing 2019-20 quarter four residential general instalments and land tax assessments by four weeks.
For more information on rates notice deferrals and new instalment dates for 2020-21 please visit the ACT Revenue Office website.
Lifeline Canberra: helping when we need it most
It’s likely the events of 2020 have in some way taken a toll on your mental health and wellbeing. They have affected many of us, all to varying degrees. The team at Lifeline Canberra know the impact that 2020 has had on our community and they're here to help.
Help for Canberra's street artists
Canberrans can look forward to more street art popping up across the city with 25 local artists receiving grant funding, as well as more artists being commissioned to undertake additional street art projects.
Creative Endeavour Grants funded through the ACT Government’s COVID-19 economic survival package will provide much needed help to Canberra artists as they pursue a new project.
