Daily COVID-19 cases in the ACT have risen again after four days of infections under 1000.
The ACT reported 1073 new infections to 8pm on Tuesday. This takes the territory's pandemic case tally to 89,510. A total of 923 new cases were reported for the previous day.
There were 61 people in Canberra hospitals with COVID in the 24 hours to 8pm Tuesday, including two people in intensive care who are also under ventilation. Previously, the ACT had the same number of people in hospital and intensive care.
The ACT now has 5676 active cases of coronavirus, down from the 5809 reported on Tuesday. Of the new cases, 604 were reported through PCR tests and 469 via rapid tests.
ACT Health has released the following age breakdown:
- 0-4: 52 (5%)
- 5-11: 52 (5%)
- 12-17: 96 (9%)
- 18-24: 121 (11%)
- 25-39: 343 (32%)
- 40-49: 153 (14%)
- 50-64: 161 (15%)
- 65+: 95 (9%)
Five to 11 year old vaccination rate passes 80 per cent
The first dose vaccination rate for children aged five to 11 is at 80.6 per cent.
Meanwhile, fully vaccinated people aged over five make up 96.6 per cent of the ACT population. The percentages have decreased from 98.7 per cent due to a revision in ACT Health's population estimate. The proportion of people triple vaxxed rose to 74.4 per cent.
Deltacron and Omicron XE variants
A new hybrid variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Australia.
The first cases of the 'Deltacron' were reported on Friday by NSW Health.
Known as a recombinant variant, it is one of two concerning strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus currently spreading across the world.
The other variant of note is the Omicron XE, which at the time of publication, was yet to be seen in any great number in Australia.
However, because the Omicron XE and Deltacron are based on known strains, it's likely these recombinants will respond well to vaccines.
Around Australia
NSW has recorded 18,265 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths in the 24 hours to 4pm.
There are 1583 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 71 in ICU.
Hospitalisation numbers are down on yesterday, when 1584 patients were being cared for with 70 in ICU.
Of the new cases, 10,299 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 7966 came from PCR testing.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews is off the federal election campaign trail for at least a week after contracting COVID-19.
Ms Andrews tested positive on Tuesday afternoon after experiencing mild symptoms.
Victoria recorded 10,907 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths. Across the state 391 people are in hospital and 19 in intensive care.
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