09 July 2021
In light of the COVID-19 situation in Sydney, the ACT will declare Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour as COVID-19 affected areas from 11.59pm tonight, Friday 9 July.
These new restrictions mean that anyone who has left Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour on or after 11.59pm tonight will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
Anyone entering the ACT from these areas, including returning ACT residents, must complete an online exemption form prior to their travel and enter quarantine immediately upon return to the ACT. ACT residents will automatically receive an exemption to enter the ACT and will be supported to safely return to their homes.
People who leave Greater Sydney prior to 11.59pm tonight will enter into stay at home orders under current restrictions levels. People already under the stay at home order will need to continue to follow these requirements. They will not be required to enter quarantine.
Non-ACT residents continue to be unable to enter the ACT without an approved exemption. In light of the increased risk posed by the spread of COVID-19 in Greater Sydney, ACT Health will be tightening the requirements for an exemption to be approved. Exemptions will only be approved in highly exceptional circumstances. Even if an exemption is approved, people receiving an exemption will be required to quarantine. If people do not have suitable premises to quarantine in, they will be required to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense.
The COVID-19 situation in Sydney is of significant concern. It is important to implement these measures to support the actions of the NSW Government and to protect the Canberra community.
Given this strengthening of the travel restrictions, the mask mandate will still be lifted at 11.59pm tonight, Friday 9 July.
While masks will no longer be mandatory, the Government is still encouraging their use in spaces where physical distancing is not possible, such as public transport or crowded venues. However, this may change at short notice and Canberrans should be prepared.
It is also important for the community to maintain COVID safe behaviours. Stay home if unwell and get tested with any COVID-19 symptoms. When out in the community, use the Check In CBR app. In crowded spaces, maintain distance from people you don’t know.
The ACT Government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation in NSW and will provide further updates to the community as necessary.
What is quarantine?
Quarantine is a more stringent requirement than the stay-at-home order that is currently in place for people already in the ACT from these areas.
Being quarantined at home means you need to stay at home. You cannot go to work, school or public areas such as shops, cafes, or restaurants. You are not permitted to have visitors while you are in quarantine. While in quarantine, you can only leave your home in an emergency or to seek essential medical care.
If you cannot maintain appropriate separation from other members of your household, they will be required to quarantine in your home with you, or you will need to quarantine in a hotel or other approved premises at your own expense.
Currently there is no requirement to get tested unless you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you need to get a COVID-19 test, you must travel to a testing location in your own private transport. You must not use a taxi, ride share or public transport.
Further information on quarantine is available here.
Note: The online declaration form will no longer be used for ACT residents returning from Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, effective immediately. Anyone returning from these areas from this point will need to apply for an exemption. If you return prior to 11.59pm tonight, you will be contacted by ACT Health to advise that you are subject to stay at home requirements. After 11.59pm tonight, the conditions of your exemption will require you to enter quarantine.
