Current Advice for ACT

Previously, from 30 September 2022, the ACT steps down from public health emergency settings to a more targeted COVID-19 management declaration.

Changes that come into effect:

• ACT Health continues to recommend people wear a mask if it isn’t possible to properly physically distance.
• COVID Safety Plans are no longer required for businesses and events held in Canberra.
  • Planning tools will remain available, and ACT Health recommends businesses maintain an up to date COVID-19 safety plan to help manage the risk for staff, visitors and customers.
• Vaccine mandates will no longer apply for workers in aged care facilities or disability care settings.
  • Employers will now need to consider whether they wish to implement their own vaccination requirements within their employment policy or work health and safety settings.

The following requirements remain unchanged:

• People that test positive to a rapid antigen test must report this test result to ACT Health, as soon as possible.
• People that are diagnosed with COVID-19 must:
  • self-isolate for 5 days and report their positive status to their household members as well as their workplace, childcare centre or school, hospital, aged care or disability care facility if they were present onsite in any of these settings when they may have been infectious.
  • not attend a high-risk setting on days 6 and 7 after their last positive COVID-19 test (unless to receive care or approved by the facility).
  • wear a face mask when in indoor public spaces on days 6 and 7 after their positive COVID-19 test (if aged 12 years and older)
• Household contacts must quarantine for 7 days from the last time someone in their household tested positive for COVID-19, unless they are able to comply with specific risk mitigation strategies.
• People over the age of 12-years must also continue to wear a face mask when visiting or working in hospitals, aged and disability care settings, and custodial or detention settings.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm on 13 May 2022, the use of Check In CBR will no longer be mandatory in the ACT. However, the Check In CBR app is being upgraded to include a new health screening tool for voluntary use by high-risk facilities, and a direct link to the online form to record positive RAT results.

The new health screening tool will be available for use from 20 May 2022. Any organisation wishing to use this tool will need to apply for a new QR code that will automatically launch the new screening function when someone checks in using the app.

 

From 11.59pm on 13 May workers in ACT healthcare and education settings will no longer be subject to the current requirement to have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Employers in these settings will be able to implement their own COVID-19 vaccination policies, in the same way many workplaces have vaccine policies in place.

Consistent with national advice, vaccination requirements for workers in aged and disability care settings will remain in place as the risk of outbreaks and severe illness among the people they care for is still high.

 

Previously, Mandatory face mask requirements eased from 6:00pm on Friday (25 February 2022):

it will only be mandatory to wear a face mask if you’re:

• On public transport, including buses, light rail, taxis, rideshare and demand response vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles must wear a mask when transporting passengers
• An employee or visitor in a high-risk setting, including hospitals, residential aged care facilities, correctional facilities or residential accommodation facilities
• A worker who provides services to a person with a disability
• A worker for in-home and community aged care providers
• A staff member or visitor in all indoor spaces at a school or early childhood education and care setting. Students in years 7 to 12 are also required to wear a face mask while in an indoor space at school
• Inside the Canberra Airport terminal or on a domestic flight in or out of Canberra Airport.

In addition, from 11:59pm on Friday, anyone who tests positive to a rapid antigen test (RAT) must report their result to ACT Health via the online form at covid19.act.gov.au. They must also isolate for seven days, in the same way as those who test positive to a PCR test.

Anyone who tests positive, either by PCR test or RAT, will now also be encouraged to take reasonable steps to notify any potential high risk or moderate risk contacts.

“Canberrans are encouraged to continue wearing a face mask in public indoor settings, particularly where it may be difficult to maintain appropriate physical distancing.

“Workplaces should consider what mask wearing policies they should implement, both for employees and any clients or visitors that may visit their premises.

“This is particularly important for businesses that employ staff with customer-facing roles, and especially for those who are likely to be interacting with vulnerable community members. Information to assist businesses, venues and organisations in developing and updating COVID Safety Plans can be found on the Business Hub.”

Canberrans are asked to update their app to ensure the new functionality is activated.

 

From 6:00pm Friday 18 February:

• All density limits that currently apply to restricted businesses and activities will be removed, and there will no longer be a requirement for businesses to display signage for capacity limits.
• Ticketing and preregistration requirements for events will be removed.
• Employees can return to the workplace where it suits them and their employer.

From 11.59pm Friday 25 February:

• There will be changes to the current requirements to wear a face mask in indoor spaces, with further details to be announced next week.

 

Previously, from 11.59pm on Friday 11 February 2022, Check In CBR will no longer be required at Pilates studios, gyms, and indoor fitness facilities.

 

Previously, summary of Restrictions from 12 noon Saturday 8 January 2022

• From 30 December 2021: Canberrans are encouraged to work from home where it suits the employee and the employer to do so. It is recognised that many employees may need to return to the workplace to meet business needs or for their own wellbeing, however working from home wherever possible will help to reduce transmission.
• COVID-19 Safety Plans must be prepared by certain businesses and able to be produced if requested by an authorised officer.
• Venues and events must continue to use the Check in CBR app, including the building and construction sector.
  • Paper records are not permitted to be used to collect patron details.
  • Businesses are required to use the Business Profile function of the Check In CBR app going forward.

Face Masks

• Any person aged 12 years or older must wear a face mask in indoor settings (other than a place of residence).
• A person is not required to wear a face mask if they have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face mask detrimental to their condition.
• For more information see Face masks requirements.

Gyms, Health Clubs, Fitness Centres or Wellness Centres, Personal Training and Bootcamps

• 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
• If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
  • One person per two square metres per usable indoor space (exc staff).
  • No density limits apply to outdoor spaces.
• Venues to display a sign at the entrance of each space specifying occupancy limit for any indoor spaces.
• Class sizes limited by density restrictions.

 

Previously, summary of restrictions from 12 November

Gyms, Health Clubs, Fitness Centres or Wellness Centres, Personal Training and Bootcamps

• 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
• If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
  • One person per two square metres per usable indoor space (exc staff).
  • No density limits apply to outdoor spaces.
• Venues to display a sign at the entrance of each space specifying occupancy limit for any indoor spaces.
• Class sizes limited by density restrictions.
• All persons aged 16 years and over must continue to check in Check In CBR app, regardless of how long you intend to remain.
  • Paper records are not permitted to be used to collect patron details. Businesses are required to use the Business Profile function of the App going forward.
• proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required in the ACT.

 

Previously, Current restrictions for Gyms, Health Clubs, Fitness Centres or Wellness Centres, Personal Training and Bootcamps

• 25 patrons across the venue or one person per four square metres, whichever is lesser (exc staff).
• Indoor classes and circuit sessions not permitted.
• Supervised weight training or use of other gym equipment.
• Equipment to be cleaned after each individual use.
• Outdoor bootcamps and personal training can take place within gathering limits.
• Change rooms to remain closed.

 

Announced 27 September 2021 – The Pathway Forward

Subject to the public health risk remaining relatively stable in the next two weeks, the ACT’s lockdown will end at 11:59pm on Thursday 14 October, triggering a transition to medium level public health measures.

From the 15 October, Gyms will be able to reopen with strict COVIDSafe requirements with a maximum of 25 people at 1 per 4 sqm.

 

The following changes come into effect from 12.01am this Friday (1 October).

Fitness, Sport and Outdoor physical recreation and campgrounds

• The recommencement of outdoor bootcamps and personal training, with no more than two people, excluding instructors.
• The recommencement of outdoor and contactless coaching activities with no more than two people, excluding the coach.

Tues 14 September: ACT lockdown extended until midnight Friday 15 October 2021

From 5:00pm Thursday 2 September – ACT lockdown extended until midnight Friday 17 September 2021

Gyms, Health Clubs, Fitness Centres or Wellness Centres:

• Closed.
• May permit no more than two people at any one time who work at the non-essential business, activity or undertaking to attend the premises for the purposes of filming, live streaming, or broadcasting to patrons.

From 9am on Friday 18 September 2020:

• All venues, facilities and businesses can have a maximum of 25 people (excluding staff) across the whole venue regardless of their size. Venues must still abide by their standard occupancy loading and regulatory conditions of the venue. Find out more in the How to manage patron numbers under 25 person rule fact sheet.
• Venues or businesses that want to have more than 25 people in their venue must apply the ‘one person per 4 square metres of usable space’ rule.  The maximum number of patrons permitted is 100 for each indoor space and each outdoor space.  No modifications can be made to venues.
• Steam-based services such as saunas and steam rooms can continue to be able to open.
• 24-hour gym facilities, can continue to operate without staff.  When unstaffed, a maximum of 25 people are permitted to be in the facility at any one time.
• Communal facilities (such as changerooms) can remain open if a risk assessment has been done and a strict cleaning regime is put in place. This should be outlined in the COVID Safety Plan.

What can’t I do?

• Gatherings in communal areas are discouraged.
• A person who owns, controls or operates a non-essential business or undertaking under the Public Health Direction must not temporarily divide any usable indoor space or usable outdoor space for the purposes of calculating usable space.

What are my responsibilities?

• Facilities must have a COVID Safety Plan.
• Facilities must clearly display occupancy allowance at the entrance to the venue.  Gyms that provide unstaffed services must display two occupancy signs.  One during staffed hours, and then a sign advising occupancy is a maximum of 25 patrons during unstaffed periods.
• Venues are required to ask all patrons for their first name and phone number and record it along with the date and time they attended the venue. Details should be securely destroyed after 28 days. Consider using the free Check In CBR app for a safe and easy way to capture these details.
• Facilities should carefully manage the entry, exit and flow of visitors through their premises.
• Patrons should be encouraged to leave the facility quickly following their training session.
• Facilities should increase the cleaning frequency of high touch areas and restrooms.
• Limit sharing of equipment within sessions or classes.
• Put a process in place to ensure that shared equipment is appropriately cleaned between each use. Cleaning can be done by staff or by patrons.
• Facilities need to have a formalised process in place to ensure shared equipment is appropriated cleaned during unstaffed hours.  This should be documented in the COVID Safety Plan, and clearly displayed throughout the facility.
• Ensure fitness equipment is spaced 1.5 metres apart. If this is not possible, disable machines less than 1.5 metres apart.

What are the community responsibilities?

• The public should continue to abide by the “get in, train, get out” principle and not gather in communal areas before or after training.
• Reduce contact with other people, particularly if you are in a class and try to main physical distancing of 1.5 metres from other people.
• Ensure equipment is properly cleaned before and after each use.
• Maintain personal hygiene, including regular hand washing.
• Stay home if unwell.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Download the Check In CBR app and sign into participating Canberra venues you visit.

 

Monday 10 August 2020 Stage 3, Step 3.1 of Canberra’s Recovery Plan includes some minor changes to the last update (19 June 2020)

• Communal facilities (such as changerooms) can open if a risk assessment has been done and a strict cleaning regime is put in place. This should be outlined in the COVID Safety Plan.
• Canteens can operate, however, physical distancing must be encouraged.

What can’t I do?

• Do not allow gatherings to take place in communal areas.
• A person who owns, controls or operates a non-essential business or undertaking under the Public Health Direction must not temporarily divide any usable indoor space or usable outdoor space for the purposes of calculating usable space.

What are my responsibilities?

• Facilities must have a COVID Safety Plan.
• Facilities must clearly display occupancy allowance at the entrance to the venue .  Gyms who provide unstaffed services must display two occupancy signs.  One during staffed hours, and then a sign advising occupancy is a maximum of 25 patrons during unstaffed periods.
• Facilities are required to ask all patrons for their first name and phone number and record it along with the date and time they attended the venue. Details can be securely destroyed after 28 days.
• Facilities should carefully manage the entry, exit and flow of visitors through their premises.
• Patrons should be encouraged to leave the facility quickly following their training session.
• Facilities should increase the cleaning frequency of high touch areas and restrooms.
• Limit sharing of equipment within sessions or classes.
• Put a process in place to ensure that shared equipment is appropriately cleaned between each use. Cleaning can be done by staff or by patrons.
• Facilities need to have a formalised process in place to ensure shared equipment is appropriated cleaned during unstaffed hours.  This should be documented in the COVID Safety Plan, and clearly displayed throughout the facility.
• Ensure fitness equipment is spaced 1.5 metres apart. If this is not possible, disable machines less than 1.5 metres apart.

Stage 2 began at 11:59pm on May 29.

Maintain:

• physical distancing of 1.5 metres where possible
• 4 square metres per person – download the factsheet about applying this rule for more information
• good hygiene
• frequent environmental cleaning and disinfection.

All operating businesses must have a COVID Safety Plan.

Businesses may be asked to produce their COVID Safety plan on request by an authorised officer.

Gyms and bootcamp operators are required to ask for a first name and contact phone number of all individuals in attendance.

If the individual provides the details, you must keep a record of the details along with a date and time at which the person attended, to assist with contract tracing efforts, if required.

For more information about this, download the factsheet about collecting and storing customer information.

There will be a 20 patron per enclosed space (excluding instructors and staff) limit, noting that the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies.

This means that in some enclosed spaces, fewer than 20 patrons will be allowed.

Staff need to manage ingress and egress.

This means ensuring that proprietors and employees manage the flow of people in and out of the venue, with a particular focus on ensuring people do not gather or mill at entries and exits, and that people can remain sufficiently far apart from one another when entering and exiting the venue.

The following further specifications apply:

• one-on-one personal training is permitted, with equipment to be cleaned during and after use
• small group supervised sessions/classes with individual equipment are permitted
• circuit sessions are not permitted given they involve sharing of equipment
• there should be no unsupervised cardio or free weight training or use of other fitness equipment
• physical distancing requirements must be maintained (keeping 1.5m apart)
• communal facilities, such as changerooms and showers, are to remain closed with the exception of toilets only. Where toilets, showers and changerooms are co-located, showers and changerooms should be cordoned off or locked if possible, with clear signage advising patrons of their closure required at a minimum.

Case study: How restrictions apply to licenced gyms