Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

ACT records new coronavirus infection after declaring itself free of active cases

Just four days ago the ACT declared itself to be the first Australian jurisdiction to be free of active coronavirus cases.

A nurse tests a patient at a COVID-19 testing site in ACT over the weekend.
A nurse tests a patient at a COVID-19 testing site in ACT over the weekend. Source: Getty

The ACT is no longer coronavirus-free after a Canberra woman in her 20s acquired the disease overseas.

ACT Health said it did not think the woman has been infectious since returning "some time ago".

"She did everything she was supposed to do when she returned to Australia," ACT Health said in a statement.

Canberra has recorded three coronavirus deaths and 103 residents have fully recovered from the infection.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The ACT last Thursday announced it was the first Australian jurisdiction to be free of all known active coronavirus infections.

"Today marks the first time in seven weeks our territory has no active cases of COVID-19 and this is because of the strong work the community is doing to stop this virus," ACT chief health officer Kerryn Coleman said at the time.

"However, it is important to stress that we should still protect the good work we have done. Please continue to follow ACT Health directives and practise good hygiene as we continue to help fight this virus together."

The nationwide coronavirus death toll rose to 96 on Monday after Sydney's Newmarch House confirmed another resident had died.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.


2 min read

Published




Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world