Canberra records 33 new cases as jabs become mandatory for ACT healthcare workers

The ACT has recorded 33 new local Covid-19 cases as the territory announces a new vaccine mandate.

The ACT has recorded 33 new local coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period, bringing the national capital’s total outbreak to 1038.

Health officials have been able to link 28 of the new cases to existing outbreaks, but five transmissions are still under investigation.

Six of the new cases were in isolation during their entire infectious period, and at least 14 spent time infectious out in the community.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed 16 Canberrans were now in hospital with Covid-19, including five people in the intensive care unit.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith announced Covid-19 vaccinations would soon become mandatory for many healthcare workers in the ACT.

The affected ACT health workers will need to have their first jab by October 29, and their second jab by December 1. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty Images.

Healthcare staff have some of the highest risk of contracting Covid-19 due to the nature of their work environment.

The mandatory vaccination requirement will apply to Canberra’s frontline health workers in hospitals, and all healthcare staff working at facilities operated by the health department.

Ms Stephen-Smith said the affected ACT health workers would need to have their first dose of the vaccine by October 29, and their second dose by December 1.

“Making vaccination mandatory in these settings is an added layer of protection for workers, patients and the community,” she said.