Restrictions have significantly eased again. Canberra will feel a lot freer when people can head to the gym, visit the zoo, and browse the local library. Here is what you can and cannot do as we take another step towards post-COVID life in the ACT.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
You must carry a face mask at all times, and those over 12 years old will need to wear one while inside. This includes workplaces unless you are alone or sitting/standing 1.5 metres away from any other person in an office. Students in years 7 to 12 will be required to wear a face mask while in indoor spaces at school.
You are not required to wear a mask while outdoors. You can also take the mask off if you are getting married indoors, in a car with people in your household or seated in a restaurant or café.
Can I go to the gym again?
Yes, you can. Gyms are reopening with a limit of 25 people or one person per four square metres indoors. Classes are limited to 20 people, and swimming pools can have 25 people across the venue before density limits apply.
Outdoor personal training or bootcamp sessions can take place with a limit of 25 people or one person per two square metres up to 300 people.
Can I put my children into daycare?
Daycares have been open to all children since October 25. After school care services are also open for all students.
Can I go into the office?
While some public servants have headed back into the office, employers are asked to allow staff to work from home if practical.
ACT Health recommends a gradual return to work when it suits employees and employers. This is subject to indoor density limits, which is the lesser of 25 people per venue or one person per four square metres.
Can I have the family around for a barbecue?
It depends on how big your family is! No more than 10 people are permitted to visit another household indoors, not including children under 12. Informal gatherings outside in the backyard must not have more than 30 people, including children.
Can I see a movie?
Yes! Cinemas are open, with the first screenings happening from Friday. Sessions are ticketed, so head online to book a seat. There is a 75 per cent fixed capacity limit for each space.
Can I go to a funeral or wedding?
Funerals are allowed to go ahead, with the same density limits as other indoor and outdoor spaces. There are 25 people allowed indoors, or one person per four square metres. Outside, one person per two square metres up to 300 people are permitted. This excludes staff.
The same rules apply to weddings, with the additional caveat that guests must remain seated while eating and drinking indoors. Dancing is permitted.
Can I go to a nightclub?
Nightclubs are closed but can trade as a bar with the same density limits as other indoor venues.
How many people can I invite to dinner at a restaurant?
Up to 25 people can be seated indoors at a hospitality venue, excluding staff. Businesses can also apply to have one person per four square metres indoors or one person per two square metres up to 300 people outdoors. Patrons must remain seated whilst eating and drinking in indoor spaces and dancing is not permitted.
Can I travel to Sydney or Melbourne?
Not yet - you will have to wait a few days! Quarantine-free travel between NSW, the ACT and Victoria will be permitted from November 1, as neither region will be declared COVID-19 affected areas. You will not need to quarantine when returning to the ACT. Vaccinated travellers can enter the ACT for any reason, without the need to quarantine, while unvaccinated travellers can only enter for essential reasons.
Can I go to an open house?
Real estate inspections and auction houses can recommence.
Can I visit a loved one in an aged care home?
Up to two people can visit aged care residents if they are vaccinated. Children under 12 years of age who are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is vaccinated are also permitted to visit.
