A Canberra man in his 90s has died from COVID-19, the first death in the ACT's current outbreak.
Key points:
- The ACT has recorded its first COVID-19 death linked to the current outbreak
- At least eight of today's cases were infectious in the community
- Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced the relaxation of some restrictions from October 1
Nineteen new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the ACT today, with eight of those spending at least some of their infectious period out in the community.
Seventeen can be linked to a known case or cluster, while two remain unlinked.
There are currently eight people in hospital with the virus. Three of them are in ICU and require ventilation.
There were 3,866 Canberrans tested at ACT clinics yesterday, following the announcement of 25 COVID-19 cases yesterday and 32 cases on Saturday.
First death in new outbreak
ABC News: Ian Cutmore
)Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the first COVID-related death in the ACT since the new outbreak began, bringing the total number of COVID-related fatalities in the territory to four.
"The man had been receiving end-of-life care at the Calvary Haydon aged care facility, prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19," Mr Barr said.
"Our thoughts today are with the man's family and friends at this difficult time."
Mr Barr also said the death was a timely reminder of the danger COVID-19 presented to the ACT community.
He said getting vaccinated before the territory's lockdown ended was imperative in order to protect Canberrans.
"So I want to use this opportunity to reinforce with people the importance of getting vaccinated between now and when the lockdown ends on 15 October.
"I would encourage anyone who has yet to get a first dose of the vaccine to do so."
ABC News: Ian Cutmore
)Restrictions to ease
Mr Barr has also announced some restrictions would ease for the ACT's lockdown after receiving new advice from Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman.
"Over the weekend and again this morning the ACT emergency cabinet met with the Chief Health Officer to discuss the path out of lockdown for the territory over the coming weeks," he said.
"In recognition of the current health risk and our increased levels of vaccination, the Chief Health Officer has recommended some further changes to lockdown measures to come into effect from 1 October."
From Friday, October 1, at 12:01am, Canberrans will be subject to these updated restrictions:
- Two people can visit another household
- One household or up to five people can gather outdoors for up to four hours for physical or recreational activities
- All non-essential retail can operate click and deliver or click and collect – maximum five staff or one per four square metre
- Small businesses can operate click and collect or click and deliver or by contactless means – maximum five staff or one per four square metre
- Outdoor bootcamps and personal training can recommence with no more than two people (excluding instructors)
- Nature Reserves and National Parks to reopen
- All dental services to reopen
Roadmap revealed
The Chief Minister also revealed the ACT's pathway out of lockdown, which included detailed plans to ease restrictions once vaccination targets were met.
"This will trigger a transition to medium-level public health measures."
The changes on October 15 will see five people able to visit one household, and up to 25 people allowed to gather outdoors.
Licensed venues, cafes and restaurants will be able to serve a maximum of 25 people on site, and hairdressers, beauty and personal services will be able to operate with a maximum of five clients.
Mr Barr also announced schools will begin returning to face-to-face learning next term, with year 12 students returning on October 5, and year 11 students on October 18.
Preschool, kindergarten and years 1, 2, 6, 9 and 10 are set to return on October 25, with the remaining years set to return on November 1.
ABC News: Ian Cutmore
)Mr Barr said while ending the lockdown could see daily case numbers rise, vaccination would allow for less serious illness and hospitalisation in the territory.
"The ACT'S pathway forward has been informed by the modelling on the impact that COVID-19 will have on cases in the territory, and hospitalisations in the territory, and on the impact of exactly the same phenomenon occurring in surrounding New South Wales," he said.
"However, the higher the level of community vaccination the lower those case numbers will be, the lower the number of serious illnesses will be reported, the lower the number of hospitalisations and people requiring intensive care and most importantly, the lower the number of deaths in our community.
"It will be a challenge, but the ACT's pathway forward announced today will ensure that we make a gradual and safer step towards a better Christmas and summer holidays for all Canberrans."
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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiU2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTA5LTI3L2FjdC1yZWNvcmRzLW5ldy1jb3ZpZC1jYXNlcy1tb25kYXkvMTAwNDkzNjMw0gEoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwMDQ5MzYzMA?oc=5
2021-09-27 03:05:42Z
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