Food courts in Canberra have only been able to operate as takeaway venues since coronavirus restrictions were introduced.(Www.Bloc.Com.Au)
Coronavirus restrictions in the ACT will ease further from Monday, with the territory moving to stage 3.1 as it marks almost one month since the last confirmed COVID-19 case was recorded.
Key points:
From 9:00am on Monday some coronavirus restrictions will ease in Canberra
Steam rooms, saunas, strip clubs and brothels can reopen, as can pokies and the Canberra Casino
The rule of one person per four square metres remains in place, as do restrictions around keeping gatherings to a maximum of 100 people
This morning the ACT Government announced that from 9:00am on Monday August 10, Canberrans would once more be allowed to dine-in at food courts and gaming could recommence in clubs and at the Canberra Casino.
Steam rooms and saunas, strip clubs, brothels and escort agencies can also reopen, and 24 hour gyms can have a maximum of 25 people when unstaffed.
But while some restrictions will ease from Monday, the Government said others originally flagged as part of stage 3 were not being introduced.
The rule of one person per four square metres remains in place, as do restrictions around keeping gatherings to a maximum of 100 people, both inside and outside.
Bars must continue to serve alcohol only to seated patrons, though there are no longer limits on the size of group bookings.
And while most businesses were already displaying occupancy limits, the ACT Government has now made it a requirement.
“However, the requirements under the public health directions are not just the responsibility of businesses, they extend to all of us, to all Canberrans,” ACT Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman said.
The ACT has been at stage 2.2 of restrictions since June 19, with the Government deciding to hold restrictions in place on multiple occasions due to outbreaks in Victoria, Sydney and Batemans Bay.
“The ACT continues to be in a strong position in regard to COVID-19 cases and our readiness to respond to cases in the event that they were to occur,” Dr Coleman said.
“We have in place firm travel advice on specific areas of New South Wales, including the Greater Sydney region. We also have in place border controls with Victoria, which have proved to be effective.
