The Australian Capital Territory will enter a seven day lockdown from 5:00pm Thursday afternoon. This is the first time the Territory has been into lockdown this year and the first confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in almost 12 months. The decision to lockdown was made as a result of a positive COVID-19 case in the Territory who has been infectious whilst in the community, and in response to positive wastewater detections. A spokesperson for ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA said officials currently do not know how the individual came into contact with the virus. "This is by far the most serious public health risk the ACT has faced in the past 12 months, and that's why the ACT is introducing a strict lockdown in response to this positive case," Mr Barr said. "We have said throughout the outbreak in Greater Sydney that we would act quickly and decisively. "We have seen that a short and immediate lockdown limits the potential spread of the virus, and is the best path to avoiding longer and more damaging lockdowns." Mr Barr is asking for those in Canberra to only leave their homes for essential reasons. "This will be the first time that the ACT has entered a lockdown of this nature since the early days of the pandemic," he said. "During this time Canberrans, are being asked to only leave their homes for essential reasons - essential employment, healthcare (including a COVID-19 vaccination), essential groceries and supplies and up to one hour of outdoor exercise." Mr Barr said general retail will be closed, and hospitality venues will only be able to operate takeaway services. "We will be asking any businesses that has to remain open to actively prevent any browsing in their stores," he said. "We know from what we are seeing around Australia that the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is highly infectious, and life threatening. "For the sake of your health, your families health and for the health of the community - it's critical that Canberrans take every precaution they can over the coming days." Wearing masks has been reintroduced in the ACT along with following good hand hygiene and social distancing. "We are asking people to not have any family gatherings and do not have parties with friends," Mr Barr said. "During this seven day period, Canberrans should only be interacting with other people in your household." Further details will be available on the COVID-19 website and on ACT Health social media accounts.