Health Minister cautions Canberrans as no active coronavirus cases in ACT

"We know that it's been tough, but we also know that it's been necessary," Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said, thanking Canberrans for abiding by physical distancing measures.

Despite the good news, she said there was no room for complacency within the community and further announcements would be made on Friday for what the next steps toward relaxing restrictions would be.

"We have managed so far to avoid the terrible scenes that we have seen in so many countries around the world where health systems have been overwhelmed."

"We are now prepared if we do see the second wave of COVID-19 in Australia and here in the ACT."

There have been 106 cases of COVID-19 in the ACT. Of those, 103 people have recovered and three have died.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr will make further announcements on Friday outlining what the next steps for the ACT will be.

"The reality we must still accept is that it's not over yet," he said.

"There is still a risk of increased cases in the ACT. We cannot close our borders, and there are still active cases across the country."

National cabinet, due to meet on Friday, will consider restrictions on business activity and physical distancing but Mr Barr said a calm and measured approach was needed.

"We cannot put ourselves, and the people around us, at risk by moving too quickly."

READ MORE:

Testing criteria was expanded last week, and remain in place until next Friday, as part of a nationwide blitz allowing anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to be tested. In the past 24 hours, 200 people were tested bringing the total to 8500.

"The more tests we are able to do, the more information we will have about the virus in the territory. This information will help inform future decision making on business activity restrictions and physical distancing measures," Mr Barr said.

Chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said as restrictions relaxed, more cases could be found.

"The position we are in today is no different than we were three days ago," she said.

She said elimination of the virus was possible but not to be relied on for six to 12 months time.