Update on third COVID-19 case in the ACT


Released 18/03/2020

The ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman, has this afternoon provided an update on the third confirmed case of COVID-19 in the ACT.

The individual is a female in her 70s. She recently returned from overseas where we believe she has been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

She is currently at home after being discharged from Canberra Hospital and is self-isolating at home with ACT Health support.

We have identified several family and travel close contacts. As part of our contact tracing, ACT Health is making contact with these individuals today.

Travel close contacts:

ACT Health has identified one flight and a bus trip where potential may have occurred as the individual has travelled back to Canberra from overseas. ACT Health will be working with the airline and the bus company to identify individuals who are close contacts as a priority. We are also alerting any Canberrans while this work is underway.

  • People in rows 41-45 on flight GA712 from Jakarta to Sydney, which arrived at 9.30am on 14 March, is considered a close contact.

Any Canberrans sitting in these rows are asked to quarantine themselves and call the Communicable Disease Control Section of ACT Health on (02) 5124 9213 for further advice.

Anyone else travelling on this flight in other rows are not considered to be close contacts, and as a precaution, monitor their health until 28 March. Self-quarantine is not required.

  • People who travelled on a Murrays bus from Sydney Airport to Canberra, departing at 12.25pm on 14 March, is also considered a close contact.

All Canberrans on this bus is considered a close contact and should quarantine themselves and call the Communicable Disease Control Section of ACT Health (details above) for further advice.

ACT Health is continuing to take appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines. All identified close contacts will be contacted by ACT Health.

For people who are being asked to self-quarantine, there is comprehensive advice on the ACT Health website (www.health.act.gov.au), which we ask you to follow.

We also encourage all Canberrans to continue to stay up to date on developments through the website and ACT Health social media channels.

People who are concerned and want further information on the virus, can also call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Statement ends -

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