The ACT has recorded no more deaths and 500 new cases of COVID-19, as the territory government extended its public health emergency declaration by 90 days and “low-level” restrictions for a further two weeks.
Of the 500 new cases, 289 came from PCR tests while there were 211 positive rapid antigen test results recorded.
There are three fewer patients with COVID-19 being treated in hospital, down from 54 to 51 in the past day.
The number of patients in intensive care has also fallen from four to three.
Almost three in four children aged five- to 11-years-old have received their first vaccine dose, with the rate now standing at 74.9 per cent, while there are now 58.1 per cent of those over 16 who have received their booster dose.
ACT chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said the extension to the public health emergency declaration was “necessary due to the ongoing COVID-19 risk in Canberra”.
“This extension also means we can be prepared in the event of a new or re-emerging strain of the virus as we head towards winter and cold and flu season,” she said.
“We are cautiously optimistic about the current COVID-19 situation in the ACT.”
The declaration will remain in place until at least May 13.
Meanwhile, low-level restrictions requiring patrons at hospitality venues to be seated while eating and drinking have been extended until February 25.
Dancing at hospitality venues is also not allowed.
“Canberrans are also being asked to continue to work from home, where this is appropriate for them and their employer, for the remainder of February,” Dr Coleman said.
“A further review of pubic health social measures will be considered over the coming weeks.”
Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the ACT has recorded a total of 40,076 positive cases and 31 coronavirus-related deaths, representing a death rate of 0.077 per cent.
AAP with Newstate Media
For more news:
- ACT extends public health emergency declaration until 13 May
- Police seek witnesses following teens’ taxi theft
- Sweden ends COVID testing, UK to scrap isolation rules
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