27 June 2021

With the situation in NSW continuing to escalate, the ACT Government will make the use of face masks mandatory in the ACT when out in the community, from midnight tonight.

There are no active cases in the ACT. However, the safety of our community is paramount, so we are bringing in this requirement as a proactive measure to support the strengthened travel restrictions that we have put in place.

This new requirement means, when people are indoors with people they don’t usually live or work with, or on public transport, they must wear a face mask.

For example, masks must be worn in:

  • supermarkets, shopping centres and retail,
  • hospitality venues including restaurants, cafes and other licenced venues,
  • other restricted business activities where there is close contact with the public, including hairdressers, beauty and tanning salons and gyms, and
  • high-risk settings, such as health and aged care facilities.

For hospitality venues, mask requirements will align with those currently in effect in regional NSW, meaning employees who have contact with patrons, must wear a mask at all times. Patrons are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the venue but can remove the face covering while eating and drinking.

For a full list of the business and community settings where masks must be worn, visit the face mask requirements page.

People may remove their face masks in certain situations such as in emergencies or when eating and drinking. There are other exceptions for mask usage, which can be found on the face mask requirements page.

Although the use of face masks will become mandatory from midnight tonight (Monday 28 June 2021), there will be a 48-hour transition period for businesses and the community to adapt to these new requirements.

In addition to wearing a face mask, the community is also reminded about all the other important actions they can take to be COVID safe.

First and foremost, stay home if unwell and get tested with any COVID-19 symptoms. When out in Canberra, make sure that you are using the Check In CBR app. In crowded spaces, keep your distance.

New advice for NT

Due to the COVID-19 situation in the Northern Territory (NT), and to align with the stay-at-home directions being implemented by the NT Government, travel directions between parts of NT and ACT are being introduced.

Our travel directions will support the measures that the NT Government have put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the NT.

From 4.00pm today, any ACT residents returning to the ACT from the City of Darwin, City of Palmerston and Litchfield LGAs in the NT, including the Darwin rural area, will be subject to a stay-at-home order in the ACT.

Stay-at-home requirement for NT LGAs

ACT residents who leave Darwin, Palmerston or Litchfield LGAs on or after 4.00pm today must:

  • Complete an online declaration form within 24 hours from the commencement of the new stay-at-home requirements. The declaration form will be available from 4.30pm
  • Travel directly to the residence where you will spend the stay-at-home period. You should only leave the residence for an approved essential purpose. The stay-at-home requirement will be in place until 1.30pm on Tuesday 29 June 2021
  • Everyone aged 12 years and over must wear a mask if leaving their premises for any of these essential purposes. Mask wearing is not required if undertaking vigorous exercise outdoors.

For non-ACT residents who were in Darwin, Palmerston or Litchfield and are intending to travel to the ACT, you will not be able to enter the ACT without an approved exemption. Exemptions will only be granted for extraordinary circumstances, and even if an exemption is approved, you will still be required to follow the stay-at-home order in the ACT.

Anyone already in the ACT prior to 4.00pm today will not need to follow the stay-at-home requirement. However, if you were in these identified areas on or after 18 June and are still in the ACT, you must complete an online declaration form within 24 hours. You should also closely monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 and if you have any, get tested immediately and isolate until you negative test result and your symptoms cease.

This is an evolving situation in NT and we will provide regular updates to the community as we have done throughout the pandemic.