22 August 2021
There have been 19 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday. Of these cases, six (6) were infectious while in the community.
There are now 121 active cases associated with this outbreak.
As of 9am this morning ACT Health continues to work with over 15,400 people who have self-identified as close contacts of ACT outbreaks.
There are currently three (3) patients in ACT hospitals. Two (2) are COVID-19 positive but are not in hospital for COVID related issues, and one (1) person is receiving care for COVID-19 but does not require breathing support currently.
Over 3,600 tests were collected across the ACT yesterday, from both Government and private providers.
ACT Pathology, along with our private providers returned 4,586 negative test results in the 24 hours to 9am today.
Our vaccination efforts continue across the ACT with total vaccine doses administered now at 186,420.
We now have over 320 exposure locations listed for the ACT. Canberrans are asked to keep up to date on new locations on the ACT exposure locations page, with exposure sites expected to grow in the coming days.
Case connected to Housing ACT complex
ACT Health is investigating if Condamine Court in Turner, which is a Housing ACT complex, is an exposure location connected to one of the current active cases of COVID-19. Currently, there are no cases in residents of the complex.
ACT Health is working closely with a broad range of partners, including Housing ACT and the Community Services Directorate to communicate directly with those affected.
This situation is still evolving, and our focus is on supporting the tenants and their needs.
Cases in disability sector
ACT Health can confirm there is a cluster of cases in the disability sector currently being managed.
At this stage there are 14 cases as part of the cluster, including four (4) clients, seven (7) support workers, one (1) tradesperson and two (2) NSW support workers that are linked to the ACT cases.
ACT Health has been working closely with all partners including Community Services Directorate, Office for Disability, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), disability service providers and sector leaders to ensure that everyone affected has the support they need.
ACT Health and the Community Services Directorate will continue to engage with the disability sector to keep them informed of the current situation and how we are responding.
Case at Australian National University (ANU)
ACT Health can confirm that there is a positive case of COVID-19 linked to the ANU.
Our public health response teams are working closely with ANU staff and students and communicating directly with those affected.
At this stage we have not confirmed any exposure sites on the ANU campus, but this remains under investigation.
Testing update
We remind Canberrans to continue to get tested. With active community transmission of COVID-19 in the ACT, this is important for our surveillance and to ensure that we are picking up any cases that are currently going undetected.
With rain forecast tomorrow, there is likely to be service changes at some of our testing sites. Please keep up to date on these arrangements through ACT Health social media channels and the ACT COVID-19 website.
Stay COVID safe
We want to thank Canberrans for doing the right thing and staying at home. This is the single most important thing we can all do at this time to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
We remind people that if undertaking essential activity out of the home to precautions to protect yourself and your family. Wear a mask, maintain good hand hygiene, keep your distance and use the Check In CBR app.
