The ACT reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, with concerns for new cases identified in an aged care facility and a growing cluster in Watson.
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Plans are underway to establish pop-up testing in Watson over the weekend in an attempt to prevent a widespread outbreak in the suburb.
Meanwhile, health authorities have flagged more cases are expected to be linked to an Calvary aged care facility in coming days.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr defended the decision to prioritise vaccination rates before relaxing COVID-19 restrictions, declaring: "maybe I just have a higher value on human life".
Moderna doses began arriving in pharmacies, and young people aged 12-15 were able to receive their first doses of that vaccine.
The Chief Minister has encouraged parents to seek out vaccinations for their children at pharmacies and GPs, with government-run mass vaccination clinics booked out until the end of October.
Research from the Australian National University found that 15 to 18-year olds have felt the brunt of the pandemic's mental health crisis, finding themselves cut off from social interaction and work opportunities.
Residential construction sites are the main focus of non-compliance checks undertaken by WorkSafe ACT, as authorities seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on worksites.
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- ACT authorities focus in on residential construction
- Canberra Calvary Care staff member tests positive to COVID-19 at Haydon Retirement Community
- ACT records 16 new COVID-19 cases
- ACT eyes rapid tests to stop silent spread
- 'I have a higher value on human life': Barr hits back
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- Woman refused bail after testing positive for COVID-19 in custody
- ACT Health move to return some staff members to offices
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