The ACT recorded 31 new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm Wednesday and 17 of the cases have been linked to previous cases.

Six cases were in quarantine for their entire infectious period and at least 17 cases were in the community for part of their infectious period.

Ten patients with COVID-19 were in Canberra's hospitals and three were in intensive care on ventilation. Another patient entered ICU after the 8pm cutoff time.

Health experts say the ACT remains on the right track despite persistent double digit case numbers.

Melbourne University biostatistics professor James McCaw leads one of seven academic groups supporting the Doherty Institute's modelling plan for safe reopening.

"[I] would state that the ACT has managed the outbreak very well, with stable case numbers for over a month," he told The Canberra Times.

"The recent increases in daily reported cases are of course a concern, but do not necessarily indicate a further deterioration.

"Vaccination coverage in the ACT is strong and increasing rapidly which will further support control over the coming weeks."

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On Thursday, Mr Barr told reporters the nation had torn itself apart over whether to open at 70 per cent or 80 per cent vaccination rates.

"We've got media outlets running agendas, it's been a vicious public debate. Awful things have been said about public health officials about politicians.

"It's been the nastiest public debate I've experienced in my career in politics, worse than marriage equality, worse than voluntary assisted dying."

Coordinator-general of Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Dr Elizabeth Moore said psychological distress had increased in the ACT, especially in young people and people aged 35-40 years.

She said people should make time for self care including physical exercise, managing their sleep patterns and staying connected.

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