The ACT health authorities say they have "flattened the curve" of the coronavirus crisis but it's still far too early to predict when the emergency will be over.
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As two new cases were announced, acting Chief Health Officer, Vanessa Johnston, said that the course of the crisis was still uncertain even though the rate of increase of new cases each day had eased.
"None of us have a crystal ball," Dr Johnston said. "We just don't know."
The two new cases revealed on Wednesday were two men, one in his 60s and the other in his 70s.
One had travelled overseas and the other caught the virus from people he knew.
The indication is that the virus is not in uncontrolled and unpredictable circulation among the Canberra general public. So far the cases have been traceable to others or to travel.
Two people have died in the ACT. On the latest figures, there have been 99 cases in total, including the latest two.
Four people are in hospital, three of them in intensive care. Forty-seven people have recovered. There have been 5,700 negative tests.
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The authorities warned that restrictions on travel and keeping distance from others will remain strict and will do so for the foreseeable future.
A new phone line has been set up for people to report breaches.
There may be reluctance to report on neighbours. Chief Minister Andrew Barr accepted that "some elements have a dobbing culture" but he emphasized that, rather than worrying so much about others, each individual must be strict with their own behaviour.
"They'll get some calls but I don't think too many," he said of the phone line. "The thing that's in your greatest control is what you do."
The police warned that patrol cars will be out in force over the Easter weekend.
The force wasn't going to put check-points on the ACT boundary to intercept people heading for the NSW coast, but Chief Police Officer Ray Johnson warned that "where we see a vehicle going on holiday, perhaps we'll have a chat with them".
And he warned that NSW rules on staying home were much tougher than those in the ACT so if NSW police saw a Canberra number plate, there was a good chance the car would be stopped.
If anyone was planning a day trip to surf, they should have a good explanation for any constable. "It depends how persuasive you are," the police chief said. "But at this stage, don't do it."
Mr Barr said that some Canberra hotels were offering "stay-cations" over Easter but "I don't anticipate a massive demand".
He wouldn't condemn it if people wanted to use the hotels to get better internet, for example.
The police chief said that some organisations had reported a rise in domestic violence as people were confined together at home.
The police hadn't noticed any rise but they remained vigilant and ready to act if cases were reported.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
