Where to find information on Canberra and COVID-19

Posted on 17 March, 2020

Everything you need to know about how coronavirus is impacting Canberra and the ACT.

With the coronavirus pandemic now affecting Canberra and the ACT, timely and correct information has never been more important.

Here is a comprehensive list of where to find up-to-date information on Canberra and COVID-19 online.

The latest health information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canberra

ACT Health has regularly-updated information at health.act.gov.au/novelcoronavirus, including statistics on how many people have been diagnosed and tested.

You can find the latest health guidelines and recommendations—including information regarding schools, universities, workplaces and events—on the ACT Health website: health.act.gov.au

Breaking News

Now is the time to support your local journalists at The Canberra Times and ABC Canberra who are on the ground covering Canberra and coronavirus every single day, including breaking news from press conferences.

With quality journalism entering a time of peril, now is the time to support the guys on the ground who we count on for essential information.

What to do if you think you have coronavirus symptoms

If you feel you have symptoms, your first priority is to isolate yourself and increase your hygiene practices. Don’t go to work, school or university if you feel you could have been infected (let’s be honest, probably best to not go to work even if it’s a regular flu or cold either!).

Next, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. This will allow the hotline’s registered nurses to determine whether you meet the criteria for testing.

If you do meet the criteria, the hotline will advise you of next steps, which may include visiting a walk-in centre or your GP.

Where to seek medical help

ACT Health Walk-In Centers are located in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Weston Creek. If you’re feeling unwell, you’re encouraged to wear a mask when you visit.

If you book in with a GP, call ahead and notify them if you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Watching your mental health is also vital during this time. For a comprehensive guide to services in the ACT see: health.act.gov.au/services/mental-health

On a personal level, the HerCanberra team also love the Headspace and Calm apps, which you can find on your mobile app store.

If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 000 immediately.

Event closures

The Canberra Times has a comprehensive list of cancelled and postponed events here: canberratimes.com.au.

What HerCanberra will be focusing on during this time

This is completely new territory for us—after all, we’re usually encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy their city!

We’re feeling our way through this as much as everyone, and balancing work with caring for our individual families and communities.

At HerCanberra, we know that news and correct information is key in times of crisis. However, so is keeping our community ties strong, supporting those doing it tough and sharing good news stories to keep spirits up.

So we’ll try our best to bring you a bit of light in this tough time.