Canberra to enter lockdown for 7 days from 5pm today

Canberra to enter lockdown for 7 days from 5pm today

The ACT will go into a snap lockdown from tonight after a new case of Covid was detected in Canberra. ACT will enter a seven-day lockdown from 5pm today, the Chief Minister Andrew Barr has confirmed.  Mr  Barr said in a statement the lockdown was triggered by a positive case of Covid who was infectious in the community.

ACT Health has also confirmed the virus was active in the region for the first time in 12 months through positive wastewater detection. Authorities, however, do not know the source of the infection.

It's the first case of Covid in the territory in more than a year, with the last locally acquired case recorded on July 10, 2020.

News of the impending lockdown has prompted a panic-buying frenzy at Canberra supermarkets. Some have reported to be out of toilet paper, in scenes reminiscent of the first lockdown in early 2020.

Mandatory mask wearing will return to the ACT.

"We have said throughout the outbreak in Greater Sydney that we would act quickly and decisively. We have seen that a short and immediate lockdown limits the potential spread of the virus, and is the best path to avoiding longer and more damaging lockdowns," Andrew Barr said.

During this time Canberrans, are being asked to only leave their homes for essential reasons – essential employment, healthcare, including a COVID-19 vaccination, essential groceries and supplies and up to one hour of outdoor exercise.