Social distancing rules are set to remain in place for at least 90 days after new laws were rushed through the ACT Legislative Assembly.
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Amid the pandemic, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has been forced to extend the public health emergency declaration for the ACT every two days to keep various measures to slow the spread of coronavirus in place.
Introducing the new laws to the Legislative Assembly on Thursday morning, Ms Stephen-Smith said the requirement was "clearly not a sensible way to proceed in the context of an emergency that will last for months".
The changes mean that a declaration, which gives the chief health officer powers to impose restrictions, can be extended for up to 90 days. The laws mirror those already in place in NSW.
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The latest restrictions prohibit gatherings of more than two people who are not in the same family or household. Pubs, restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and, as of this week, playgrounds and skate parks, have all been shut as a result of social distancing measures.
"This amendment will give the ACT community greater certainty about the anticipated need for the public health emergency declaration to continue in the context of the COVID-19 emergency," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
Under the new laws, Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman will be required to update Ms Stephen-Smith every 30 days on whether the declaration is still "justified" or should be revoked.
The amendment only apply to coronavirus pandemic. It includes a "sunset clause", which will see the old system resume once 12 months has passed without an emergency declaration in place.
Speaking in the chamber, Ms Stephen-Smith said the public health laws would need to be reviewed in the aftermath of the pandemic.
"It is important that we learn the lessons," she said.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Dan Jervis-Bardy
Dan covers federal politics from Parliament House, with a special focus on climate policy and the NDIS. He has previously reported on ACT politics and urban affairs since joining the Canberra Times in 2018.
Dan covers federal politics from Parliament House, with a special focus on climate policy and the NDIS. He has previously reported on ACT politics and urban affairs since joining the Canberra Times in 2018.
