The ACT has recorded 1,039 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night as positive rapid antigen tests can now confirm infections in Canberra.

Today’s figure is 266 down on yesterday’s 1,305 cases and the third straight day over one thousand new infections in Canberra.

There are 27 people in hospital with active or cleared cases of the virus. Four patients are in intensive care with all requiring ventilation.

The number of active COVID cases in the ACT is now 5,766 while the total infections during the Canberra outbreak is up to 12,176.

The ‘fully vaccinated’ rate in Canberra remains at 98.5 per cent while 20.3 per cent of ACT residents aged 18 and over have received a booster shot.

2,151 negative PCR tests were returned in the past 24 hours.

The news comes as the ACT Government announced that people in the ACT with a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result will no longer be required to have a PCR test to confirm they have COVID-19.

Acting Minister for Health Chris Steel said that this change will save time and effort for those who return a positive RAT result, they will no longer have to queue and wait for another test result.

“This change will also reduce the pressure on our laboratories and testing clinics which should help with turnaround times for those who don’t currently have access to RAT or require a PCR test,” Steel said.

“RATs are becoming more available, and we know that significantly more are arriving later this month.”

ACT Health is working on a system update to allow people to register their positive RAT results within the next week.

COVID across Australia

NSW reported 30,062 total COVID-19 cases along with 16 virus-related deaths.

Victoria posted 44,155 new infections and four deaths.

Tasmania recorded 1,406 new cases, with 808 self-reported from positive rapid antigen test results.

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