ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has lashed the federal government for not boosting Canberra’s allocation of Pfizer vaccines over the coming months.
The territory recorded seven new coronavirus cases on Monday, but Mr Barr cautioned numbers would fluctuate and one day’s reduction did not amount to a trend.
The chief minister also accused the federal government of favouring NSW and Victoria with Pfizer supplies.
While the ACT’s supply would not reduce over September and October, Mr Barr said it also would not increase as projected over that time and into November.
“During their outbreaks, NSW and Victoria both received increased supplies of vaccines. It is our view that the ACT should not be treated any differently,” he told reporters.
“I don’t think any other jurisdiction in the midst of an outbreak has had its forward projections reduced.”
Canberra has 224 active infections and five people, ranging in age from 18 to 70s, in hospital.
This includes two patients in intensive care, with one requiring ventilation.
The ACT continues leading the country on vaccination rates, with 55 per cent of the population aged 12 and older double-dosed.
Mr Barr hopes every eligible resident who wants a jab can get at least one by mid-October.
The lockdown is scheduled to run until October 15.
AAP
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