Canberra records 31 new Covid-19 cases as extra financial support for businesses is announced

Canberra businesses have received a much-needed financial boost as the ACT recorded 31 new Covid-19 cases.

Canberra has recorded 31 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases, bringing the national capital’s total outbreak to 835.

Of the 31 new cases, six were in isolation for their entire infectious period, while at least 17 were contagious out in the community.

Seventeen of the transmissions have been linked to existing cases, but 14 remain under investigation.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed ten Canberrans were now in hospital with Covid-19, including three people in intensive care on ventilators.

Mr Barr announced an updated financial support package for Canberra businesses would be rolled out soon.

“The Commonwealth Treasurer and I have reached agreement and announced an extension of the ACT’s Covid-19 business support grants,” the Chief Minister said.

The ACT Chief Minister said he struck a deal with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to extend Canberra’s business support package. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie.

“Under the agreement with the Commonwealth Government, there will be an additional business grant extension payment of a further $10,000 for all employing businesses, and further $3750 For non employing businesses.”

The extra cash boosts brings the total baseline support payment to $40,000 for Canberra’s employing businesses, and $15,000 for non-employing businesses.

Mr Barr confirmed fitness and sports industry businesses such as gyms, personal trainers and dance teachers would now also be eligible for the support payments.

Previously, the scheme was limited to businesses in the tourism, accommodation, arts, events and hospitality sectors.

Canberra businesses have struggled to stay afloat since the ACT entered hard lockdown on August 12. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Another top-up payment is also expected for medium and large businesses in the ACT in the coming months. Payment amounts will be scaled based on businesses turnover according to Mr Barr.

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