The ACT has recorded 13 new cases overnight, with 11 linked to existing cases or or ongoing clusters while two remain under investigation.

Six of the 11 linked cases are household contacts.

Of the ACT’s 13 new cases, only one was in quarantine their entire infectious period, with at least seven spending at least some time in the community while infectious. Investigations continue into the remaining five.

Eight are currently hospitalised with or due to COVID-19. Three are in intensive care, all requiring ventilation.

One is fully vaccinated, one has had one dose and six are unvaccinated.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said “it could be up to 50 per cent” of emergency care patients hospitalised with or due to COVID-19 in the coming weeks and months come from surrounding NSW regions.

READ MORE: Nine new COVID-19 cases detected in Queanbeyan

The total number of ACT cases for this outbreak now stands at 782 with 538 recovered, leaving 243 active cases.

A total of 3,476 tests were conducted yesterday, “another strong day” according to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said identifying cases “as soon as possible” remains important at this stage of the ACT’s outbreak.

“It is still critical to limit or restrict onward transmission of the virus,” she said. “The key to this is identifying these cases as soon as possible; the way to do this is our exposure locations and our testing programs.”

Dr Coleman said it will be pivotal that people diligently check the daily exposure sites and present for testing when necessary as restrictions ease in the weeks ahead.

“Our analysis is showing an increase in people waiting five or more days after they are symptomatic to get tested,” she said.

“This has actually increased from 10 per cent to 13 per cent in the last week. This is really concerning.”

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