The ACT has recorded a further 24 COVID-19 infections, bringing its active caseload to 400.

Of those, 19 are in Canberra hospitals including a dozen in intensive care and four among those requiring ventilation.

Health officials say the territory conducted 1445 tests in the 24 hours to Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Canberra retail shops are preparing to open their doors to customers for the first weekend of trade since the territory’s lockdown started in mid-August. 

Density limits of one person per four square metres will still apply.

The ACT is also set to eclipse the 85 per cent double-dose threshold for its eligible population on Saturday.

The Business Council says vaccination milestones are creating momentum and restoring confidence.

Chief executive Jennifer Westacott says recent announcements around quarantine-free international arrivals will also allow businesses to grow as demand increases. 

More restrictions in the ACT are due to ease on October 29 and the territory will open to NSW and Victoria on November 1. 

The territory recorded 13 cases of COVID-19 on Friday. 

AAP

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