Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced the jurisdiction will remain in lockdown for an additional month until 15 October after recording 22 new COVID-19 cases today, of which only two were in isolation for their entire infectious period.
However, the Territory, which has been in lockdown since 12 August, will see some restrictions eased somewhat during that period, and business support is incoming.
According to Barr, the previously announced land tax and commercial rates relief will be doubled and extended until 31 December, and the utility concession will be increased to $1,000 in the current fiscal year.
Businesses will be receiving further financial support too, details of which will be announced in the coming days once a package jointly funded with the Commonwealth is finalised.
“The ACT Government is currently finalising agreements with the Commonwealth Treasurer to extend the jointly funded financial support programs for local businesses and the COVID disaster payments," Barr said.
"We anticipate being able to make joint announcements with the Commonwealth Treasurer shortly."
Barr said the ACT would be in a position to ease lockdown restrictions once COVID-19 vaccination targets were hit. Currently around 50 per cent of the Territory’s eligible population has been fully vaccinated.
“This next month is a period of uncertainty, and the next few weeks will be challenging,” Barr said.
“What we are certain of though is that a highly vaccinated Canberra is a safer Canberra. That is the safest path forward.”
Updated at 12.11pm AEST on 14 September 2021.
This update is brought to you by Employment Hero.
Click here to go to Employment Hero’s COVID-19 Resource Hub for essential resources to help employers, managers and HR specialists navigate the ongoing pandemic.
Help us deliver quality journalism to you.
As a free and independent news site providing daily updates
during a period of unprecedented challenges for businesses everywhere
we call on your support