ACT records 28 new local Covid-19 cases and two deaths

Canberra has recorded 28 new cases and two deaths from Covid-19 as the ACT focuses on vaccinating one key part of the population.

The ACT has recorded 28 new local coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period, bringing the national capital’s total outbreak to 1005.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed two Canberrans had died of the virus overnight.

Both deaths were women in their 80s who had other health issues.

One of the women was fully vaccinated against Covid-19, but had been receiving end of life care for other conditions.

Health officials have been able to link 14 of the 28 new cases to existing outbreaks, but the other 14 are still under investigation.

Eight of the new cases were in isolation during their entire infectious period, while at least 16 spent time infectious out in the community.

ACT COVID-19 update (4 October 2021):
▪️ New cases today: 28
▪️ Active cases: 362
▪️ Total recovered cases: 640
▪️ Total cases: 1005
▪️ Negative test results (past 24 hours): 1,902
▪️ In hospital: 16
▪️ Lives lost: 3 pic.twitter.com/saqbxVRYmW

— ACT Health (@ACTHealth) October 4, 2021

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

Chief Health Minister Kerryn Coleman said the youngest Canberran in hospital was in their 20s.

Mr Barr noted that while the ACT’s vaccination uptake was strong, the territory’s under-40 population still had a way to go.

“Fully vaccinated coverage is currently 64.6 per cent of the eligible (ACT) population,” the Mr Barr said.

“What we're seeing is incredibly strong nation-leading levels of vaccination coverage among over 40s. But it’s younger Canberrans who have just not yet had the opportunity to access vaccination, where we still don’t have the required level of second dose protection.”

The ACT’s lockdown began on August 12 and is currently set to end on October 15. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Barr confirmed less than 60 per cent of Canberra’s population under 40 was currently fully vaccinated, but said he was confident this would change in the coming days.

The ACT’s lockdown is currently set to end on October 15 when the territory will transition to “medium level” public health restrictions.