Canberra has experienced its worst day of the COVID pandemic, with two people dead and more than 50 new cases.
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ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the 52 cases recorded to 8pm Thursday was an important reminder to people that the virus remained in the community.
Two Canberrans died overnight. They were both residents of the Calvary Haydon aged care facility, aged in their 80s, and were receiving end of life care.
The news takes away the from the excitement about the slight reduction in restrictions that took effect earlier today, as Canberrans can visit friends and family.
However, any visiting between households is limited to two people and despite some confusion, that number does include children. We've clarified the issue for you with ACT Health.
Mr Barr said that every easing of restrictions was a risk, but that was balanced against "public health outcomes, economic outcomes, mental health and wellbeing outcomes."
Thursday's update saw clusters at Ainslie Village (13), Cavalry's Haydon retirement facility (17) and the London Circuit construction site (17) grow.
Mr Barr said the ongoing debate around reopening once vaccination rates were hit was the nastiest he'd experienced in his career.
The jointly funded Commonwealth-ACT scheme to support local businesses will be expanded from Thursday to allow for additional payments up until an unspecified date in mid-October.
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- Vaccinated ACT residents likely to reap October travel reward
- 'Nation has torn itself apart' in debate around COVID reopening: Barr
- 'We are not changing our approach': Govt defends vaccine passport forgery concerns
- COVID-19 disaster payments to be wound back in line with vaccine targets
- ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr expects states to block Canberra travellers
- Home COVID-19 tests to begin in November
- Home COVID-19 tests will be at your own cost: Barr
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Miriam Webber
I report on the public service and politics for the Canberra Times. Reach me at miriam.webber@canberratimes.com.au
I report on the public service and politics for the Canberra Times. Reach me at miriam.webber@canberratimes.com.au
Lanie Tindale
I am City reporter at The Canberra Times. I previously covered health for the masthead, and was a trainee before that. I have written on courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
I am City reporter at The Canberra Times. I previously covered health for the masthead, and was a trainee before that. I have written on courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
