The ACT has its first confirmed case of COVID-19 in 102 days — a diplomat in his 70s, who returned to Canberra from overseas.
Key points:
- The returning traveller flew into Sydney on October 9, before driving to Canberra in a private car
- The man in his 70s was tested on day 10 of his mandatory quarantine period
- The territory had been free of known cases for almost three months
"We do have the 114th case notified in the ACT," ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman said in a press conference this morning.
"This person is a man in his 70s, and a returned overseas traveller.
"This person is a diplomat, who returned from overseas on October 9.
"He flew into Sydney International Airport, and travelled to Canberra on a private vehicle.
Dr Coleman confirmed the man had been in quarantine since his return to the ACT.
"Therefore, we believe this is an acquired infection," she said.
"He underwent a COVID test on day 10 of his quarantine period, which returned a positive result."
ACT Health is following up two contacts of this individual and is managing them in accordance with national guidelines.
"This new case demonstrates that our quarantine system here in the ACT is working well to protect the Canberra community from COVID-19.
"But it is also a timely reminder that COVID-19 still poses a risk to the ACT and the situation can change quickly."
ACT Health's website states that foreign diplomats need to quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Australia, but "they can quarantine at their mission or usual place of residence".
"Australia has legal obligations under the Vienna Convention to ensure diplomats' freedom of movement and travel, and protection from detention," the ACT Health website reads.
Canberra has had one previous COVID-19 case concerning a diplomat — a man in his 40s, who also became infected with the virus while overseas.
No change to ACT COVID-19 restrictions
The territory had been free of known cases for almost three months and last eased restrictions when the ACT marked 90 days without a reported case.
Gatherings of up to 200 people are currently allowed in Canberra, cinemas are open with 50 per cent capacity and many workplaces are commencing a return to work plan.
Today's new reported case does not affect the ACT's restrictions.
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the case was not unexpected.
"This is an important reminder to Canberrans that we are not an isolated bubble from COVID-19 and we will continue to see the occasional new case, we've been saying that consistently," she said.
"We have consistently had between about 250 and just over 300 people in quarantine in the ACT.
"[Quarantining] is an incredibly important part of stopping the spread of this virus."
Ms Stephen-Smith encouraged ACT residents who had travelled to NSW in the past 14 days, to be vigilant and monitor the relevant health websites.
ACT residents returning from Victoria must continue to advise ACT Health before their arrival, preferably at least 72 hours before the intended travel date, and immediately quarantine for 14 days.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiZWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIwLTEwLTIyL2FjdC1oZWFsdGgtY29uZmlybXMtb25lLW5ldy1jb3ZpZC0xOS1jYXNlLWluLWNhbmJlcnJhLzEyODAxNTU20gEnaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEyODAxNTU2?oc=5
2020-10-22 00:42:00Z
52781136310681
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "ACT Health confirms one new coronavirus case in Canberra - ABC News"
Post a Comment