15 December 2023

The ACT Government has reviewed its remaining COVID-19 activities with several changes to be implemented over the coming weeks.

Like other jurisdictions, the ACT continues to transition the management of COVID-19 to be consistent with other notifiable diseases such as influenza.

From Friday 22 December 2023:

  • you will need a pathology referral form to get a PCR test for COVID-19 in the ACT.
    If you are a concession cardholder, you can visit a participating pathology collection for a  COVID-19 PCR test, without a referral, until 31 December 2023.
  • you will no longer be able to report positive RAT results to ACT Health.
    The Rapid antigen test (RAT) – positive result registration form will be removed from the COVID-19 website. RAT reporting mandates were lifted in March of this year and Canberrans continue to voluntarily report their RATs. ACT Health thanks all Canberrans for diligently reporting their positive RAT results up to now.
  • the detailed Weekly Epidemiology Update for COVID-19, influenza and RSV will no longer be published on the ACT COVID-19 website.
    A new weekly COVID-19 dashboard containing key COVID-19 statistics will be published on the website.  The new dashboard will be available from 5 January 2024. Visit the ACT COVID-19 Statistics page.

Free Rapid Antigen Tests continue to be available from ACT Government RAT collection centres until 31 January 2024. These RATs will expire at the end of February 2024. RATS are readily available for purchase from retailers, such as pharmacies. For anyone who has symptoms, RAT testing remains an effective and reliable way to test for COVID-19.

Collectively, these changes reflect the ACT Government’s focus on the severity of illness and the impact on the health system. On 20 October 2023 Australia’s Chief Medical Officer stated COVID-19 is no longer a Communicable disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).

With most of changes coming into effect at the end of the year, when people are likely to increase their socialising or travelling activities, the ACT Government is reminding Canberrans to stay COVID Smart.

COVID Smart behaviours are the actions which can reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, like influenza. People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or flu, should speak to their regular healthcare provider about what to do if they become unwell, including how to access testing and treatments.

Staying COVID Smart involves things like:

  • Staying up to date with your vaccinations. Flu and COVID vaccines are separate but can be administered at the same time. Vaccination remains the best protection from serious illness and hospitalisation.
  • Staying home if you’re unwell and test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. Even if the test is negative, remain at home until you’re feeling better.
  • Considering wearing a mask when entering public indoor settings or where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
  • Practising good hand hygiene.