The ACT has reported 1278 new infections in the latest reporting period as the total number of cases hits 70,659. Previously, 1314 daily infections were recorded for the territory.

There were 42 people in Canberra hospitals with COVID in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday, including three people in intensive care and none under ventilation. Previously, the ACT recorded the same number of hospitalisations, with three people in the ICU and one ventilated.

The ACT now has 5927 active cases of coronavirus, up from the 5760 reported on Wednesday. Of the new cases 659 were reported through PCR tests and 619 via rapid tests.

Meanwhile, ACT schools continue to drive case numbers as 92 per cent of schools experienced COVID-19 infections in the past week.

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The total number of people over five who are double vaccinated has hit 97 per cent.

Health authorities have made a fresh plea to Canberrans to come forward for their booster shot, saying the third-dose rate was not as high as it should be.

A total of 72.2 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received their booster, and 79.8 per cent of children aged five to 11 are vaccinated with a single dose.

More than $100 million will be provided to the ACT's COVID-19 health response ahead of an expected increase in cases over the winter months.

The territory government will also allocate an extra $18.2 million to the Canberra hospital expansion, which will go towards the operational commissioning of the new critical services building.

"The pandemic is not over, and it's important for government's at all levels to do what we can to prepare our healthcare system for winter, where we expect to see a flu season for the first time in two years and a potential surge in COVID-19 cases," Mr Barr said.

NSW has recorded 24,803 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths in the 24 hours to 4pm.

Yesterday, the state reported 24,115 new infections and five lives lost.

There are 1180 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 43 in ICU.

Hospitalisation numbers are up on yesterday, when 1162 patients were being cared for, however ICU numbers are down by one, with 44 in care yesterday.

Of the new cases, 14,761 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 10,042 came from PCR testing.

Victoria has recorded 10,259 new infections and 11 deaths in the 24 hours to 4pm on Wednesday.

There were 244 people in hospital with COVID-19, 25 in intensive care and two under ventilation.

A total of 53,763 COVID cases have been reported in the state so far.

Meanwhile, Australia will house the southern hemisphere's first mRNA vaccine manufacturing centre after a landmark agreement stuck by the federal government.

Pharmaceutical giant Moderna has confirmed a deal with the Coalition and Victorian state government to make mRNA vaccines in Australia from 2024.

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