The Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) seven-day lockdown from August 12 does not affect Shoalhaven residents being able to cross into the neighbouring Jervis Bay Territory.
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Earlier in the week the ACT closed its borders to residents from the Shoalhaven due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, but a special new health direction allowed for travel between the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) and the Shoalhaven to continue and that order remains in place, despite the ACT's lockdown.
ACT's lockdown comes after the identification of a positive COVID-19 case in the community.
To protect the health and wellbeing of the JBT community, and in particular the Wreck Bay Community, the Australian Government issued a new Public Health Direction to restrict people who have been in the ACT from entering the JBT.
Starting from Thursday (August 12) JBT residents who have been in the ACT from 5pm must quarantine for 14 days on returning home. Non-residents who have been in the ACT will not be able to enter the JBT.
JBT is not automatically in lockdown as a result of the lockdown being declared in the ACT.
Travel between the JBT and the Shoalhaven local government area is unaffected by the current ACT lockdown.
The Booderee National Park, which is also in JBT, remains open to Shoalhaven residents but for day visits only.
To ensure JBT residents are able to move freely between the Territory and the Shoalhaven LGA, a health direction issued earlier in the week, which excludes JBT and the Shoalhaven LGA from being automatically picked up under the ACT's Public Health (COVID-19 Areas of Concern Notice) remains in place at this stage.
That allowed JBT, Wreck Bay Community and HMAS Creswell staff and residents received an exemption, to travel through Booderee National Park to reach their homes and workplaces.
All JBT residents must continue to follow the Emergency Public Health Directions which are now in place for the JBT and which align with broader NSW Public Health Orders for regional NSW.
JBT residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of keeping up-to-date with current restrictions, practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, staying home if unwell and getting testing if you have COVID symptoms.
The Booderee National Park has reopened after being temporarily closed earlier in the week as a precaution, following a COVID-19 health alert for the Shoalhaven.
The park is open for day visitors only with no camping until further notice.
Restrictions within the JBT do not allow entry for individuals from COVID-19 affected areas.
Information about COVID-19 affected areas, and areas of concern can be found on the ACT Government COVID-19 website.
"Park staff remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of all our visitors, staff and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community," a Parks Australia statement said.
"The park will continue to maintain its COVID-19 Safe operating practices."
Visitors with pre-booked park passes are encouraged to contact the park for a refund or to re-book if they have not done so already.
For any inquiries about Booderee National Park, please contact 02 6274 2432 or Booderee.mail@awe.gov.au.
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Robert Crawford
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
