The ACT has recorded 16 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, as Chief Minister Andrew Barr says he will not end lockdown early and be faced with the prospect of announcing daily deaths.

None of today's new cases were in quarantine for their entire infectious periods. At least 11 spent some time infectious in the community, with investigations into the movements of the remaining five people still underway.

Nine of the new cases are currently unlinked to other known cases or transmission sites.

There are 12 people in hospital with the virus, including two New South Wales residents. Two people are in intensive care, both requiring ventilation.

There are currently 211 active cases in the territory.

Canberrans waiting too long to get tested

Mr Barr said 2,675 COVID-19 tests were conducted yesterday, but that Canberrans will still waiting too long to get tested after becoming symptomatic.  

"Too many of our cases have been waiting days and days with symptoms before coming forward to get tested," Mr Barr said.

"So, please if you have any symptoms you've got to come forward for testing."

Mr Barr also said 3,000 Canberrans received a first dose of a vaccine yesterday.

"We're still at the point of the vaccination rollout where first doses are the majority of our daily vaccinations," Mr Barr said.

"At this point less than one-third of Canberrans aged 16 to 39 are fully vaccinated. Whereas the population aged 40 plus are now over 80 per cent fully vaccinated."

From today, Canberrans aged between 12 and 59 can receive a Moderna vaccine through their local pharmacy. 

None of the new cases in quarantine

ACT Deputy Chief Health Officer Vanessa Johnston said four of the new cases were essential workers, who were unknowingly infectious in the community.

"None of today's cases, unfortunately, were in quarantine for their entire infectious period and five remain under investigation, so we're still acquiring further information from them," Dr Johnston said.

"It's important to remember that the time that people spend infectious in the community varies and the risk of that varies also by the nature of their activities and whether they're wearing a mask and other factors."

Dr Johnston said additional medical centres and pharmacies would today be added to the growing list of ACT exposure sites.

 "As these are essential locations, and we still have people moving around in the community to access these essential sites, there's always a possibility that someone is unknowingly infectious while attending one of these sites," Dr Johnston said.

"I think the important thing to remind everyone that is out and about in the community for those essential reasons, is that it's so important that we wear masks correctly so always have one and wear it correctly."

'Higher value on human life' stopping Barr from opening up early

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Mr Barr said next week he would release a more detailed plan on what restrictions might ease once the territory hit its 70 and 80 per cent vaccination rates.

But the Chief Minister said he would not bend to pressure to open up early.

"What I am determined to see is as many people have the opportunity to have the vaccine as possible, I want the ACT to have the highest vaccination rate in the nation, and I believe we will," Mr Barr said.

"I strongly believe that 12-15-year-olds need to have access to the vaccine; we're not making rash decisions that will leave that section of the community at risk.

Mr Barr said he did not want to be in the same position as the NSW and Victorian Premiers, announcing daily COVID-related deaths.

"I do not want to stand at this podium and give glib 'this many people died today' like some of my colleagues have to," Mr Barr said.

"It's just distressing for everyone. And we can do better and we can vaccinate our community.

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