ACT records two more COVID-19 deaths; Health issues testing etiquette reminder

ACT Health is reporting the deaths of two people with COVID-19 overnight – a woman in her 70s and a man in his 80s.

The ACT’s pandemic death toll since March 2020 is now 116.

There have been 24 COVID-19 deaths recorded in the ACT this month.

It comes as new cases jump slightly, with the Territory recording 425 (268 PCR and 157 RAT) cases of COVID-19 overnight. Active cases have fallen to 2245.

There have been 199,292 cases reported locally since March 2020.

Hospitals continue to care for high numbers of patients with COVID-19.

Today, there are 136 patients in hospital with COVID, two are in ICU and one requires ventilation.

Yesterday, the Territory recorded 412 cases and four deaths, and there were 135 patients in hospital.

Vaccination updates are provided weekly by ACT Health.

There are no ACT public schools with cohorts learning from home today.

ACT Health has reminded Canberrans accessing PCR testing at Mitchell and Kambah drive-through testing centres to remain in their vehicles unless directed by testing staff.

Parents and carers of young children who require testing have also been assured that testing staff are “experienced and compassionate” and do not require assistance to test children.

There is also a dedicated ‘Park and Test’ bay at Mitchell for children and babies under five years where parents or carers can step out to help their child with testing. Babies and young children can also be tested at Kambah.

PCR testing remains widely accessible across the Territory with centres in Holt, Garran, Kambah, Mitchell, Greenway and Crace.

Culturally appropriate assessment and testing for First Nations people is available at the Winnunga Nimmityjah Respiratory Clinic.

An Access and Sensory testing service is available at the Garran Surge Centre for people with disability, mental health conditions, younger children or those that need additional support when getting tested.

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) are also being distributed via ACT libraries for concession card holders who do not have symptoms.

PCR testing rates have begun to drop, according to ACT Health’s most recent weekly epidemiological report.

A total of 14,248 PCR tests were conducted in the last reporting period (to Sunday, 7 August) compared to 16,610 in the previous week.

The test positivity rolling mean has also dropped to 18 per cent. That’s the lowest it’s been since April 2022, ACT Health confirmed.

Interstate, NSW has reported 26 deaths overnight and 8064 new cases of COVID-19.

There are now 2115 people in hospital with the virus and 52 patients in ICUs around the state.

Victoria has recorded 15 deaths overnight and 4732 cases of COVID-19.

There are 518 people hospitalised with the virus and 29 patients in the state’s intensive care units.