Chief Minister Andrew Barr says plans to end the ACT’s lockdown as scheduled in a fortnight’s time will depend primarily on the Chief Health Officer’s advice as the Territory reported a record-equalling 52 COVID-19 cases today for the second consecutive day.
No one was walking away from the commitment to reopen, Mr Barr said. However he continued to be concerned about the high case numbers and the high numbers also being recorded in neighbouring Queanbeyan.
“Our vaccination rates are a really significant way in which we can protect our community,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Mr Barr said Friday marked a shift in the Territory’s vaccination program, when there were more second doses of the vaccine delivered than first doses across ACT government clinics.
Almost 92 per cent of ACT residents have now received at least one jab, while 63 per cent have had both.
Mr Barr said it was anticipated 32,000 Canberrans, the overwhelming majority of them aged under 40, would receive their second shot and become fully vaccinated over the next two weeks.
“Last month, September, was a very tough month for the city,” he said.
“But the signs are that with our very strong vaccination program, that by the end of October and going into the month of November and into the summer there will be better times ahead.”
More than 3240 virus tests were also conducted in the ACT on Friday.
While not a betting person, ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said she was still reasonably confident the Territory would soon be able to reopen.
“My intention is to deliver that lifting of restrictions, as is in the pathway, and we will do everything we can to stay on top of this,” she said.
“If everybody assists us, my intention is to deliver that.”
The ACT on Friday relaxed restrictions slightly, including allowing two visitors to a home.
AAP
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