The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) COVID-19 lockdown has been extended for another four weeks as the jurisdiction reports 22 new CCP virus cases.
Of the new cases, 14 were linked to current exposure sites, but only two were in quarantine for their entire infectious period, meaning the rest were in the community and potentially spreading the virus.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr told reporters on Tuesday that at least 13 people have spent some of their infectious period in the community.
Barr confirmed the lockdown would be extended until October 15. It was earlier scheduled to run till midnight on Friday.
Minor modifications to public health orders come into effect over the weekend, including an increase in “COVID-safe” small business activity in areas such as online clicks and collection, distribution, limited private real estate inspections and additional outdoor activities.
Social golf and tennis will be allowed under certain circumstances, which are yet to be announced.
These rules will be reviewed in two weeks.
“With this announcement, our priority over the next four weeks is to vaccinate as many people as possible,” Barr said. “During this period, approximately 50,000 Canberrans will receive their first vaccination dose at the ACT Government Mass Immunization Clinic; 35,000 will receive their second dose and be fully vaccinated.”
“Ten thousand more will receive their first or second dose through a GP or pharmacist.
“Higher levels of vaccination will support a safer route to the region,” he said.
Barr said that based on current estimates, 70-80 percent of the country’s vaccination goals are expected to be met in mid-October and early to mid-November.
“This will be driven by the robust immunization program and act in New South Wales, Victoria, which combined comprises 60 percent of the national population,” Barr said.
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This News Originally From – The Epoch Times
