The ACT Government has announced a range of changes to public transport and city services in response to the seven day lockdown in the ACT from 5 pm Thursday 12 August 2021.
The lockdown will remain in place until 5 pm Thursday 19 August 2021.
Public transport
Bus and light rail services will continue to run to the regular weekday timetable during this period.
We ask that people use public transport for essential travel only. The authorised essential reasons for leaving home are listed on the ACT COVID-19 website. Please do not travel if you feel unwell.
Use of masks in the community is now mandatory for people 12 years and over. This includes onboard buses and light rail.
Canberrans are reminded that the use of the Check In CBR App is mandatory on board all public transport services. If you don’t have access to the app please ensure you travel with a registered MyWay card or keep good travel records.
School services
School services, including the Special Needs Transport service, will continue to run for children of essential workers. For information regarding schools during this time please visit: Public Schools in the ACT – Education or contact your school directly.
The Flexible Bus Service will continue to run for those who need it however we ask you not travel with us if you feel unwell.
For the most up to date COVID Safe travel information visit www.transport.act.gov.au.
Waste and recycling
From Friday 13 August 2021 residential red and yellow bin collections will start from 5 am. This is a preventative measure to ensure there is no service disruption and allow the collection contractor to stagger shifts to maintain driver distancing measures. Due to this early start residents are reminded to put their bins out the night before.
There is currently no change to the start times of green bin collections which will remain as 7 am.
Pre-booked bulky waste collections are continuing at this stage.
The community can access a range of digital resources at www.act.gov.au/recycling.
Recreation open spaces
For community safety, a number of public spaces will be closed during the lockdown period.
These include:
- playgrounds
- outdoor fitness stations
- skate parks
- BBQs
- dog parks.
While these spaces may not be fenced off or gated, please do not use them. Signage will be in place across many locations to remind Canberrans these facilities are closed.
Cleaning of public amenities will be limited and undertaken based on the usual public holiday schedule.
Sportsgrounds
All sportsgrounds in the ACT are closed for organised sports at this time. They should only be used for essential exercise whilst maintaining physical distancing requirements in line with current health orders.
Libraries ACT
Libraries ACT will close all library branches as well as the ACT Heritage Library to public access.
Items currently on loan have had their due dates extended until 31 August 2021. Library return chutes will be closed and library items can be renewed online or by phone on 6205 9000.
Library members can continue to access eBooks, eAudio, digital magazines, children’s literacy activities and other digital resources on the Libraries ACT website using their membership number and passphrase. Online story time, Giggle and Wiggle, and Read Local author talks are also available online. You can also join the library online and send proof of your identity via email. All details are on the Libraries ACT website.
In addition to these closures, the home library service and mystery box service will be temporarily suspended.
Cemeteries and crematoria
There will be changes to the operations of Gungahlin, Woden and Hall cemeteries.
Funeral services will continue with a maximum of 10 people allowed to attend.
Gungahlin Crematorium will continue operating, with capacity limited to eight people in the private viewing room.
Canberra Memorial Parks’ head office is currently closed to the public. If you need to make any arrangements, please contact the Customer Service Team on 6207 0000 during office hours or email cemeteries@act.gov.au.
For residents of the ACT who have a death in the family, most necessary arrangements with funeral directors, cemeteries and the crematorium can be made over the phone and online. Digital forms are available and can be accessed via the Canberra Memorial Parks website under the ‘forms and downloads’ tab.
Visitors are encouraged to stay at home and observe restrictions.
Domestic Animal Services
The Domestic Animal Services (DAS) shelter in Symonston is closed to the general public except by appointment. Please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 to arrange an appointment.
The shelter will remain staffed to care for the dogs in DAS’ care.
DAS Rangers will continue to respond to call outs for community safety.
Roads and infrastructure
Existing construction projects will be closed. Safety and security are paramount and all sites will be made safe. Sites will be secured to prevent entry. Where projects are underway on our road and path network, additional signage, fencing and bollards will be installed to ensure public safety where required.
Roads ACT will continue to support community safety by responding to emergencies as required.
Transport Canberra and City Services is planning for situations where significant impacts on service delivery occur. In these circumstances, priority will be given to continuing the delivery of critical services related to public safety and wellbeing. This includes working closely with contractors, ACT Policing and the AFP.
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