Canberra's lockdown extended for two weeks as ACT records 13 new cases of COVID-19

Canberra's lockdown has been extended for two weeks after the territory recorded 13 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. Key points: The ACT's lockdown has been extended for two weeks until September 17 The ACT's lockdown has been extended for two weeks until September 17 At least eight of the newly announced cases were infectious while in the community At least eight of the newly announced cases were infectious while in the community The ACT has also changed restrictions around exercise and outdoor gatherings, while remote learning has been extended Just four of the new cases were in quarantine for their entire infectious periods, and at least eight were in the community while infectious. Lockdown extended for two weeks ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced an extension the territory's lockdown. ACT Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman said there had been an increase in the number of positive cases who had been infectious in the community in the past week, and that a lockdown extension was the "best decision". These include: doubling the outdoor exercise and recreation time to two hours each day doubling the outdoor exercise and recreation time to two hours each day allowing one household or up to five people to gather outdoors for those two hours of exercise or non-organised recreation allowing one household or up to five people to gather outdoors for those two hours of exercise or non-organised recreation reopening outdoor playgrounds reopening outdoor playgrounds allowing people who work predominantly outdoors to return to work allowing people who work predominantly outdoors to return to work increasing the number of people who can attend a funeral to 20 and the number of guests allowed to attend a wedding to 10 increasing the number of people who can attend a funeral to 20 and the number of guests allowed to attend a wedding to 10 allowing up to 10 people to attend time-critical religious ceremonies Masks will continue to be required at all times upon leaving home, including in workplaces, for anyone aged over 12.