The ACT health authorities aren’t getting too carried away by a reduction in new COVID-19 cases, concerned what the long weekend in the capital might bring.
The territory recorded 38 new cases, a small reprieve from the record levels of 52 seen on each of the past two days.
While Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith was encouraged by the reduction, she said it was still above the daily number seen for the majority of days during this outbreak.
Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman believes days of sub-20 cases have now passed.
“I think we are looking at 30s, 40s, 50s at a minimum going forward,” she told reporters in Canberra on Sunday.
Ms Stephen-Smith also warned against large gatherings this long holiday weekend for Labour Day, saying examples from interstate show this can result in more cases and impact a number of households.
“This should serve as a reminder that the health directions are in place for a reason and by breaking them you can endanger yourself, your family and your friends,” she said.
“So please don’t use this public holiday weekend or the NRL grand final as an excuse to gather together in larger groups.”
Of the new cases, 24 are linked to current exposures sites and 14 were in quarantine during their entire infectious period, and at least 16 spent part of their infectious period in the community.
Providing an update on the exposure sites at Canberra Hospital, Ms Stephen-Smith said there were three cases – one in its food services team, one patient and one hospital worker.
“There has so far been no additional COVID-19 spread as a result of these exposures, which is a testament to the containment strategies in place,” the minister said.
She said hundreds of staff and patients had tested negative, while more than 100 health care workers were currently in quarantine for between five and 14 days based on exposure risk.
“Canberrans can be assured that this situation is being expertly handled and they absolutely should feel safe to attend hospital should they require a hospital service,” she said.
The ACT’s vaccination program continued to make strong progress with 92.6 per cent of Canberrans aged 12 and over having received one dose and 63.9 per cent fully vaccinated with two doses.
AAP
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