The ACT has recorded 51 new COVID-19 cases, one of its highest single-day totals, just days before Canberra will end its lockdown.

Canberra has recorded one of its highest ever days of new COVID-19 cases, with 51 infections reported on Wednesday, just days before the ACT comes out of lockdown.

The figures come ahead of an ACT health authorities announcement later on Wednesday about how contact tracing measures will change when restrictions ease.

Of the 51 new cases, 32 were linked to known infections, with 19 of those being confirmed as household contacts.

There were 13 cases that were in quarantine for all of their infectious period, while 22 were assessed as being a transmission risk to others.

Health authorities say there are now 16 people in hospital with COVID-19 in the ACT.

Of those, eight are in intensive care and five are on ventilators.

Despite the high number of cases, the ACT’s lockdown is set to end as scheduled on Friday.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said on Tuesday Canberra was on track to become one of the most vaccinated cities in the world, with a 99 per cent double-dose rate expected to be reached by the end of November.

Friday will bring eased restrictions, including allowing gatherings of up to five people in one household, or 25 outdoors.
Restaurants, cafes, bars, gyms and hairdressers will also be able to reopen, subject to density limits.

Most retail will have to wait until October 29 to reopen, but some non-essential stores that take appointments – such as for trying on clothes or test-driving a car – will be able to reopen for a maximum of two people per household.

AAP

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.