30 September 2022

From 30 September 2022, the ACT steps down from public health emergency settings to a more targeted COVID-19 management declaration.

Changes that come into effect from today:

  • Face masks will no longer need to be worn on public and shared transport like buses, taxis and light rail.
    • ACT Health continues to recommend people wear a mask if it isn’t possible to properly physically distance.
  • Household contacts no longer need to report their status to ACT Health.
  • COVID Safety Plans are no longer required for businesses and events held in Canberra.
    • Planning tools will remain available, and ACT Health recommends businesses maintain an up to date COVID-19 safety plan to help manage the risk for staff, visitors and customers.
  • Vaccine mandates will no longer apply for workers in aged care facilities or disability care settings.
    • Employers will now need to consider whether they wish to implement their own vaccination requirements within their employment policy or work health and safety settings.

The following requirements remain unchanged:

  • People that test positive to a rapid antigen test must report this test result to ACT Health, as soon as possible.
  • People that are diagnosed with COVID-19 must:
    • self-isolate for 5 days and report their positive status to their household members as well as their workplace, childcare centre or school, hospital, aged care or disability care facility if they were present onsite in any of these settings when they may have been infectious.
    • not attend a high-risk setting on days 6 and 7 after their last positive COVID-19 test (unless to receive care or approved by the facility).
    • wear a face mask when in indoor public spaces on days 6 and 7 after their positive COVID-19 test (if aged 12 years and older)
  • Household contacts must quarantine for 7 days from the last time someone in their household tested positive for COVID-19, unless they are able to comply with specific risk mitigation strategies.
  • People over the age of 12-years must also continue to wear a face mask when visiting or working in hospitals, aged and disability care settings, and custodial or detention settings.