The ACT reaches 70 per cent of over 12’s fully vaccinated and 98 per cent first dose

The most vaccinated jurisdiction in Australia has reached an incredible jab milestone.

The ACT has recorded 32 new local coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period, bringing the national capital’s total outbreak to 1234.

The new cases come as Canberra reaches 70 per cent full vaccination coverage for its population over 12.

A staggering 98 per cent of Canberrans aged over 12 have now received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The jurisdiction is leading the nation in vaccination coverage.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra’s staggering jab rates were a huge achievement.

“This is a very significant achievement for the territory, and one we could not have done without the incredible hard work of the team at Canberra health services,” Mr Barr said.

“Based on the forward bookings within our system, we think we will cross over from 98 per cent to 99 per cent first dose.”

Canberra’s mass vaccination hub at the AIS arena has helped the ACT reach the highest jab rate in the country. Picture: Gary Ramage / NCA NewsWire

When asked whether hitting such high vaccination targets would speed up the easing of restrictions in the ACT, Mr Barr said Canberrans would have to wait and see.

“There are areas of very fine detail that clearly are announced ahead of each step forward being taken,” he said.

“We will announce tomorrow the detail of the next step which will commence on Friday.”

Canberrans will find out in the next few days whether they will be able to travel to and from NSW after the ACT’s lockdown ends on Friday.

“We hope by probably Wednesday or Thursday to have confirmation from NSW as to how they will regard the ACT in terms of their own Covid travel arrangements once we come out of lockdown,” Mr Barr said.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberrans would be advised about ACT-NSW travel rules within the next few days. Picture: Gary Ramage / NCA NewsWire

Of the 32 new Covid cases reported on Monday, 11 were in quarantine during their entire infectious period, while at least nine spent time infectious in the community.

Twenty five have been linked to existing cases, but the remaining seven are still under investigation.

Mr Barr confirmed there were now 18 Canberrans in hospital with Covid-19, including seven people in the Intensive Care Unit.

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