So far the ACT is the only state without any confirmed Coronavirus cases. Our duty is to keep the ACT safe and healthy by taking effective measures to prevent the virus from spreading in the ACT. 

We strongly request the health authority to issue guidance encouraging people to wear masks if they are willing to. Currently the instruction is only sick people should wear masks. This singles out those who do wear masks in public areas and/or activities involving close contact, and potentially subjects them to discrimination. Many people have managed to source masks despite the supply shortage, but hesitate to use them because of the dominating perspective that wearing a mask implies sickness. 

Wearing masks is not shameful. It can prevent people from getting the virus through sneezing or other close interaction. Washing hands and wearing masks are the simplest yet most effective measures to keep our community safe and healthy. We NEED to take these actions BEFORE the virus hits the ACT, rather than having to deal with a devastating situation when the virus does come. Or, if there were to be some cases before our petition is submitted, such measures will be even more necessary to prevent the spread in our community. 

Particularly we strongly request the health authority to encourage school staff and students to wear masks if they want to. Many parents have great concerns that their child/children will be discriminated against for wearing masks. We should make it clear that against the rising risk of Coronavirus spread in the ACT, everyone is free to take the necessary precautionary measures available, including by wearing masks. 

We also suggest a dedicated reporting channel (email and/or hotline) for ACT residents to report to authorities any known cases of people who have: 

- just returned from overseas travel (from any country, but especially the heavily affected countries), or 

- been in direct contact with someone who has returned from the above said countries, or 

- in case of any other contact of concern. 

This will assist health authorities to quickly locate people who may be affected by Coronavirus.   

Last but not least, we propose that people who have been tested for COVID-19 and their families should be advised to self-quarantine until their results are received, instead of going to work and/or school in the meantime.