ACT Health are declaring 14 new local government areas (LGAs) in regional NSW as COVID-19 affected areas from 11:59pm, 5 August 2021.
NOTE: If you leave Shoalhaven after 11:59pm 5 August 2021, you must not enter the ACT unless you have an approved exemption before arriving.
They advise "The situation in regional NSW has deteriorated, with cases detected in the Hunter region and positive wastewater detections now occurring in many other regional areas. We are acting quickly and decisively in the ACT to respond to this increased risk."
The 14 LGAs are:
• Armidale Regional Council
• Cessnock City Council
• Coffs Harbour City Council
• Dubbo Regional Council
• Dungog Shire Council
• Lake Macquarie City Council
• Maitland City Council
• Mid-Western Regional Council
• Muswellbrook Shire Council
• Newcastle City Council
• Port Stephens Council
• Shoalhaven City Council
• Singleton Council
• Wingecarribee Shire Council
ACT residents
If you leave these LGAs after 11:59pm tonight and enter the ACT, you must:
• complete an online exemption form within 72 hours prior to arriving in the ACT
• immediately quarantine for 14 days when you return to the ACT, or until you are advised by ACT Health that you can leave.
This applies to all ACT residents, including those who have who have had the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We will automatically grant ACT residents an exemption to enter the ACT and will support them to safely return to their homes.
Non-ACT residents
"If you leave these LGAs after 11:59pm 5 August 2021, you must not enter the ACT unless you have an approved exemption before arriving.
"We will only grant exemptions in highly exceptional circumstances. Even if we grant you an exemption, you must quarantine for 14 days at a suitable premises or hotel at your own expense.
Travel advice
The situation in regional NSW is serious and we may bring in restrictions for other regions at short notice.
"All Canberrans should minimise interstate travel at this time and be prepared to reconsider their plans at short notice. Canberrans should not be travelling to any areas subject to quarantine or a stay-at-home requirement."
Anyone in NSW who has been in Victoria on or after 8pm on Thursday 5 August, must stay at home and only leave their residence with a reasonable excuse.
If you are entering NSW from Victoria, you must complete an entry declaration form and then travel directly to your accommodation and only leave with a reasonable excuse. You must follow stay at home requirements for 14 days since they were last there (or until the notice is revoked).
