news, local-news, canberra, social distancing, coronavirus, covid 19

Social distancing laws in the ACT will remain in effect for at least 90 days, in line with measures seen in NSW, the ACT Chief Minister has said. Andrew Barr said legislation would be introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday to allow the restrictions to be put in place in Canberra for as long as needed but at least 90 days. Similar legislation in the NSW has a sunset clause of at least 90 days, and would need to be renewed on a regular basis, dependent on the coronavirus situation in the state. Mr Barr said the lockdown laws were not designed to be permanent. "These measures remain in legislation and don't require parliament to remove it, but they lapse after a certain period of time, and there's processes for a review," Mr Barr told ABC radio on Thursday. "We recognise some measures in an Australian context are a once-in-a-lifetime measures, but they should not become part of day-to-day life in normal situations." The legislation is just one of a suite of measures that will be raced through the assembly on Thursday. Among them is an omnibus bill including almost 20 amendments to legislation, such as changes to court proceedings, firearms acts and gaming machines. Thursday will be the only sitting day for the assembly this week, focusing solely on the response to coronavirus. "These measures are for public health emergencies only," Mr Barr said. READ MORE: Fines of up to $8000 will apply if Canberrans breach the social distancing rules, but Mr Barr said an education and warning approach would be used in the first instance before fines are handed out. Repeated offences would lead to the penalties, the Chief Minister said. The ACT government also outlined it would partner with Canberra-based health service Aspen Medical to establish a pop-up emergency department in Woden dedicated to treating coronavirus. The $23 million project is expected to open in May and have 50 beds. Mr Barr said while the final location was yet to be determined, the modular temporary hospital would be close to Canberra Hospital. "It won't be permanent but it will be more than just a tent city," he said. "The focus will be an initial three to six-month period, depending on the nature of our local circumstances." Costs will be shared 50-50 between the ACT government and the federal government. Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our twice-daily digest here.

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