The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is set to go into lockdown for seven days from today after the territory recorded one positive case of COVID-19, according to ABC News, Australia.
ACT officials said a man in his 20s from Gungahlin, Canberra, had tested positive to COVID-19 and had been infectious in the community since Sunday. However, they said the source of the infection was unknown.
The Australian government said the new COVID-19 case has represented the “most serious public health risk” the community had faced for nearly a year.
The last locally acquired case was reported over a year ago.
This will be the first time the ACT will be entering a strict lockdown since the initial days of the pandemic.
Under the 7-day lockdown period, Canberra residents are not allowed to leave their homes, except for essential reasons, which include “essential employment, healthcare, vaccination appointments, shopping for groceries or supplies and up to one hour of outdoor exercise,” according to the news outlet.
People will also be expected to wear masks when they are in public. Retail stores will close and hospitality venues will be restricted to takeaway only.
Officials have asked parents and caregivers to keep their children home from school throughout the lockdown if they can.
Chief Minister of ACT Andrew Barr said, “This is not an opportunity to browse Bunnings. The purpose of a lockdown is to stop people from moving unnecessarily. The objective here is to reduce the movement of people … that’s why we are going into a lockdown.”
He said, “Now is not the time to be popping over to mum and dad’s … please stay at home,” adding, “the virus does not respect family bubbles.”
Barr also told Canberra residents to stay in their own local areas, unless for essential purposes. He said, “Our general guidance is to stay within your local area, so if you live in Belconnen, exercise in Belconnen, get your groceries in Belconnen. Do not be traveling across the ACT for exercise or essential supplies.”
“It goes without saying, now is not the time to have friends over, to have parties,” he added. “We really need this lockdown to be effective and we have seen in parts of Australia what happens when people do the wrong thing.”
Barr also said the new case was further evidence of the importance of vaccinations in fighting the pandemic.
“What this whole situation demonstrates though, is the absolute importance of vaccination and why it is so critical that more Canberrans, more NSW residents – more Australians get vaccinated,” he explained.
“That’s what we need to focus on in addition to clear, the public health measures that we have put in place this week.” To know more about what Barr said, visit ABC News, Australia.
