The ACT has recorded 22 new cases overnight, 12 linked to existing cases and the remainder under investigation.
Seven of the ACT’s 22 new cases were in quarantine for their entire infectious period.
Ten are in hospital with or due to COVID-19. Three are in intensive care all requiring ventilation.
3710 tests were conducted yesterday.
“If you delay getting tested, every day has a big impact,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said, both in terms of the number of people potentially being infected and on the possible treatment you may require.
“There are some COVID-19 treatments that need to be administered within five days of an individual experiencing symptoms in order for them to be fully effective.”
About 45,000 first doses still to go and about 145,000 second doses still to go.
Mr Barr advised those eager to get a jab to monitor the online booking systems as earlier appointments do “often” open up in ACT Government clinics, pharmacists and GPs.
“I’ve seen posts on social media from particular pharmacists in the ACT saying they have seven or eight appointments available in the next few hours if people want to come forward,” he said.
The Chief Minister also noted he has reached an “in principal agreement” with Commonwealth Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on an extension of the co-funded COVID-19 business support payments.
The detail of the agreement will be finalised today with a joint statement expected tomorrow.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Wednesday outlined a plan to phase out billions of dollars in federal cash assistance once 70 and 80 per cent of over-16s have been vaccinated.
The COVID disaster payment provides $750 a week for people who have lost more than 20 hours of work and $450 for those under that threshold.
People on income support who lose eight hours can access $200 a week.
But once a state reaches 70 per cent two-dose vaccination coverage, workers will have to reapply each week for the payments to prove they are eligible.
At 80 per cent, there will be a two-week transition to support being cut off.
Mr Barr said the “gradual tapering” of the disaster payments aligns with the ACT’s ‘pathway forward’ roadmap document released earlier in the week.
More to come.
