Page 3091 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 9 November 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
As New South Wales achieved these vaccination targets and began to ease travel restrictions for ACT residents intending to travel to New South Wales, the ACT also expanded the list of approved postcodes within the approved border region on 15 and 16 October. From 12 noon on 16 October, New South Wales residents living in one of the 53 approved postcodes were permitted to enter the ACT for any reason under the standing exemption.
On 1 November, the ACT opened its borders with New South Wales by removing the COVID-19 affected area declaration. Travel between the ACT and New South Wales is now open and ACT residents are permitted to travel between both jurisdictions, provided they meet the New South Wales government’s public health orders, which include vaccination requirements.
The ACT Chief Health Officer has identified several areas within New South Wales as high-risk geographical areas, and anyone intending to travel from these areas to the ACT is required to seek an exemption prior to entering the ACT. The exemption process has been automated for fully vaccinated travellers and exemption applications for travellers who are not considered fully vaccinated are being considered on a case-by-case basis, as part of the ACT’s revised approach to travel exemptions. The Chief Health Officer will review and update New South Wales high-risk geographical areas over the coming days, with any changes to take effect from 12 November.
Victoria’s COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. Victoria recorded a notable rise in cases towards the end of October after daily case numbers passed 2,000. Case numbers have begun to decrease and, as at 7 November, there are 16,413 active cases reported across the state.
With the opening of the ACT border on 1 November, the ACT has also removed the COVID-19 affected area declaration with Victoria. Certain geographical areas remain as high risk, and we are taking the same approach to travel from these areas as I described for New South Wales. ACT Health will continue to follow the situation in Victoria and ensure that the status of high-risk geographical areas is closely monitored, due to the high risk of case incursion from travellers from these areas.
The ACT has become one of the most vaccinated cities in the world—an incredible feat. I am pleased to report that, as of 7 November 2021, the ACT reached its ambitious target of achieving 95 per cent double-dose coverage of the ACT’s vaccine-eligible population aged 12 years and over, well ahead of our December 2021 target.
Our continued focus is on targeted in-reach programs that are essential to reduce the risk of ongoing virus transmission among marginalised communities or population groups who are less likely to engage with traditional health services, through the equity to access program.
ACT government clinics have administered 49.8 per cent of all COVID-19 vaccine doses in the territory, with our partners in primary care administering 46.7 per cent and 3½ per cent through commonwealth aged-care programs. This is an outstanding effort by all involved and has put the ACT in a very strong position.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video