The ACT has recorded 23 new coronavirus cases following the extension of Canberra’s lockdown for another fortnight.
Concerns about continued unlinked infections and people unknowingly out and about with the virus means lockdown won’t lift before September 18.
Of Wednesday’s cases, 14 are linked mostly through households.
At least 11 people had been infectious in the community for at least some of the time.
Of 256 active cases, 13 are in hospital including four in intensive care.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr is concerned about a number of people who have gone to work without realising they are infectious.
The ACT will receive 8344 Pfizer doses as part of the federal government’s vaccine swap with Singapore.
The vaccines are being distributed on a per capita basis, meaning the territory will receive about a day’s worth of vaccinations.
Slightly more than 41 per cent of territory residents aged 16 and older are double-dosed.
The national deadline for aged care workers to have received at least one jab is less than three weeks away.
Nearly 88 per cent of the ACT’s aged care workforce has been partially vaccinated, with 54.3 per cent double-dosed.
Meanwhile, authorities are concerned about more anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown protests following the arrest of three people on Tuesday.
ACT Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan said two vehicles were ordered out of the ACT after about 20 people protested at Parliament House and the Governor-General’s residence.
“It does make me angry that people actually want to breach those laws by doing those protests … particularly when they don’t come from Canberra,” he said.
“In the coming months we anticipate we’ll probably see more of this, not just here in the territory but across Australia.
“Don’t come to Canberra – that’s my message.”
The chief minister cautioned residents to expect restrictions to remain for the bulk of the year.
He did not expect travel to resume before December.
Canberra’s economy would rebound strongly in the first half of 2022 due to pent up demand to go to the shops and out to dinner, he said.
To soften the blow of the continued lockdown, some restrictions will be relaxed from Thursday.
Small weddings, funerals and outdoor gatherings will be allowed. The outdoor exercise time limit has been increased from one to two hours daily.
The ACT government is working with southern NSW health districts about possible assistance for that state’s system expected to come under increasing strain into October.
AAP
