People who later tested positive for COVID-19 had waited days after becoming symptomatic before presenting to Canberra's emergency departments, prompting concern people were delaying getting a test.
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Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said some of the people who had presented to hospital had been admitted for inpatient care.
"This is another reminder to please get tested as soon as you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, because we know with this disease you may in fact become quite unwell quite quickly," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
"This is a highly variable disease that can be mild or can be quite severe, and that can happen quite fast."
There were nine people in Canberra's hospitals with COVID-19 on Thursday, including two people in intensive care. One patient required ventilation.
ACT health authorities received 3432 test results on Thursday, which Chief Minister Andrew Barr said had provided a good level of surveillance.
Ms Stephen-Smith said there were plans in place to manage suspected COVID-19 cases in Canberra's emergency departments.
"Our staff are well trained in infection prevention and control requirements. But it is really important for your own health and wellbeing if you're symptomatic, you go and get tested, so that the right supports can be put in place," she said.
Ms Stephen-Smith said people were avoiding coming forward for testing out of concern they could test positive and the implications quarantine requirements would have on them, their households and families.
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"I want to reassure everyone in the community that health services are available to you, and we really need you to come forward for testing if you are the slightest bit unwell," she said.
"We will be able to support cases, people who test positive, financially, with material support and with health support. And the earlier that your COVID-19 is identified, the better the support we will be able to wrap around you."
Workers required to isolate while waiting for a COVID-19 test result may be eligible for a $270 hardship payment to cover three days in isolation.
Pandemic leave disaster payments of $1500 are also available to people required to isolate, while people who have lost work due to the lockdown can access disaster payments.
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