Canberra records 11 new cases; changes announced to jab doses

A major vaccine change has been announced as Canberra's Covid outbreak grows to 385 cases.

A big vaccine change has been announced for Canberrans in an effort to boost the territory’s response to a rapidly growing Delta outbreak.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the wait time between AstraZeneca doses for ACT residents would be reduced by several weeks.

“If you have already received an AstraZeneca vaccine or you are planning to get your AstraZeneca vaccine, your second dose can now be administered four to eight weeks after the first,” Mr Barr said.

Previously, Canberrans needed to wait 12 weeks between AstraZeneca jabs.

Mr Barr said the revision in the required wait time between doses was similar to the advice for the vaccine in Victoria and NSW and followed the guidance provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI).

“The best vaccine is the one that you can get tonight. For many, that is the AstraZeneca vaccine that is available through local GPs, pharmacies, and the ACT government clinic at Calvary hospital,” the Chief Minister said.

Canberra’s lockdown began on August 12 and is currently set end on September 17. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage.

Canberra recorded 11 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases on Monday, bringing the national capital’s total outbreak to 385.

Of the new cases, three were in isolation for their entire infectious period while seven were contagious out in the community.

Nine of the transmissions are linked to existing cases while two remain under investigation.

Mr Barr confirmed 11 Canberrans were now in hospital with Covid-19, with one person in an Intensive Care Unit on ventilation.

Since the beginning of the outbreak in August, 163 Canberrans with Covid-19 have recovered.