ACT opens border to Victoria

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman has announced that the Victorian border will reopen today (23 November). Photo: Michelle Kroll.

The ACT has opened its border to people from Victoria for the first time since early July meaning permits will no longer be required and the 14-day mandatory quarantine for returning Canberrans will be scrapped.

The change is in line with NSW easing its restrictions.

Today (23 November) marks just over two weeks since restrictions in Victoria eased on 8 November, which gave ACT Health enough time to closely monitor the situation.

“We have assessed the situation in Victoria following their easing of restrictions that started on 8 November,” ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said.

“It is great to see Victoria has now gone three weeks without recording a COVID-19 case. Given this, it is now safe to lift restrictions so we can welcome Victorian visitors to Canberra, and there will be no requirement to quarantine for any Canberrans returning from Victoria.

“The lifting of restrictions will give people the confidence to make plans, book holidays and reunite with family members in Victoria in the lead up to Christmas. It will be a boost for local business as we welcome more people from Victoria.”

Health advice for South Australia remains the same. Only essential travel should take place and anyone who has been in South Australia in the past 14 days must complete an online declaration 24-hours prior to arrival to be permitted to enter the ACT.

Travellers will need to carry the permit with them at all times while in the ACT.

South Australians who have been in a designated hotspot or in contact with a confirmed case will not be allowed into Canberra. Returning Canberrans who check these boxes will be required to isolate for 14 days.

All arrivals from South Australia are being screened by ACT Health at Canberra Airport.

ACT Health is advising everyone who has been to South Australia to get tested if any symptoms present, no matter how minor.

More information about the declaration process is available on the ACT COVID-19 website.