AS Canberra moves into its second day of being virus-free, ACT Health says there is no current recommendation to wear face masks.

“At this stage Canberra has no cases and no evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 and, therefore, there is no current recommendation to wear face masks in the ACT,” says ACT Health.

“Physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, and staying at home if you are unwell continue to be our best defences against the spread of this virus.”

But, ACT Health says its advice could change.

“A situation may arise in the future where the wearing of face masks may provide an added benefit in reducing the risk of transmission in the community,” says ACT Health

“Should we start to see a rapid growth in case numbers or outbreaks in the ACT or surrounding regions – particularly if those cases appear to be evidence of community transmission – then wearing face masks in enclosed public spaces where it is not possible to social distance will feature as a part of our public health response.

“We are encouraging everyone, particularly those unable to physically distance in their daily work or daily activities, to think about preparing for a time in the future where wearing face masks may become one part of how we respond to the threat of COVID-19.”

Since the pandemic begun, the ACT has confirmed 113 COVID-19 cases, and has conducted 53,069 negative tests.