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Posted: 2021-09-04 01:53:43

The ACT has recorded 32 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

At least 19 of the new cases were infectious while in the community.

Twenty-four of the new cases have been linked to an existing case or cluster, with others still under investigation.

Ten people are in hospital with the virus, including two people in intensive care. One person requires ventilation.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said the youngest person in hospital was now under 16 years of age, with the oldest 54. 

Number of infectious in community 'of concern'

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the number of people infectious in the community was of concern.

He reminded Canberrans of the importance of getting tested as soon as symptoms develop.

"One of the challenges, and the reasons for people being infectious in the community often for even just a day more than they should be is that they're waiting to come forward for testing."

A close up of Andrew Barr listening to a question at a press conference.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has reminded Canberrans to follow the public health directions, and wear masks properly.(

ABC News: Toby Hunt

)

Yesterday, there were more than 2,500 tests conducted across the ACT.

Mr Barr said compliance checks were ongoing across the ACT, with 773 traffic stops yesterday and three directions to leave the ACT.

He reminded people to wear their masks properly, and for workers to check in at their place of work.

"Having them not covering your nose, and having them resting under your chin renders them ineffective. Please wear a mask and wear it properly."

Dr Coleman reminded Canberrans that despite the slight easing in restrictions that came into effect on Thursday, the spread of COVID-19 remains an ongoing threat to the ACT.

Kerryn Coleman speaks at a press conference.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman has told Canberrans they should limit the number of people they spend time with.(

ABC News: Toby Hunt

)

"The intention of the changes we made for Friday, is not for people to go out in the community and mix with as many people as you possibly can … for a week during a lockdown period," she warned.

More vaccine doses secured for the ACT 

Mr Barr said the ACT would receive 86,797 more Pfizer doses as a result of the Commonwealth's Pfizer swap with the United Kingdom.

It is expected the vaccines will arrive in Australia over the weekend.

"We've been advised at national cabinet yesterday that a significant number of these doses will be provided through our local GP network, and pharmacies."

Yesterday, 1,451 people received their vaccine at the AIS Arena mass vaccination hub.

On Friday, the ACT government announced that all students in Year 12 across the ACT would be given priority access to the Pfizer vaccine at the new AIS Arena mass vaccination hub.

Mr Barr said that the demand for vaccines among year 12 students had contributed to longer waiting times on the booking line, but said students should be able to book a vaccine in coming days.

"Apologies that everyone tried to do it at once, but that is a great sign, actually," he said.

"Once people are booked in, they're no longer waiting in the queue and it will be easier to make an appointment over the next two weeks now."

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