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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Kathryn Lewis

ACT still coronavirus free as Queensland declares the territory a hotspot

It has been 26 days since a COVID-19 case was detected in the ACT as the Queensland government declared the territory a hotspot.

Another 24 hours has passed without a new infection.

The territory is free of known, active coronavirus cases, while the total caseload sits at 113.

ACT Health has confirmed 54,223 negative tests have been conducted.

Despite Canberra's low infection rate it was declared a hotspot by the Queensland government alongside all of NSW.

ACT and NSW residents will not be allowed to enter the sunshine state from 1am Saturday and all returning Queenslanders will be required to pay for 14-days hotel quarantine.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr was surprised by the announcement but said border closures would be the new normal for months and years ahead.

ACT chief health officer Kerryn Coleman reminded Canberrans not to travel to areas of COVID-19 outbreaks.

"As we have seen, the nature of COVID-19 is that the situation can change rapidly. We urge Canberrans not to travel to areas where COVID-19 outbreaks are occurring," Dr Coleman said.

"Before considering any essential travel, keep up to date with the latest affected areas and travel restrictions. If travel is essential, please follow the guidance on both the ACT COVID-19 website and the COVID-19 website of the state you are travelling to."

Canberrans have been told not to travel to the greater Sydney area as state authorities work to contain and trace infections linked to growing clusters.

Any travel to regional NSW or areas with known cases should also be reassessed.

NSW has also imposed more stringent measures on returning travellers from Victoria who will now be required to enter 14-days hotel quarantine at their own expense.

"We also feel given the evolving situation in Victoria has been going on for some weeks people do that at their own expense," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

She also announced on Wednesday, Sydney Airport would be the only entry point for people from Victoria except for residents of border communities.

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