A Queanbeyan man in his 60s is among four COVID-19 related deaths reported in NSW, as the ACT reported the highest daily case number in more than a week
The ACT has reported 15 new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday. There are five people hospitalised with the virus, two of whom are in intensive care, with one requiring ventilation.
The Queanbeyan man had received one dose of a vaccine, and had significant underlying health conditions.
The new cases bring the active total in Canberra to 141, while the number of cases associated with this outbreak now stands at 1679.
There were 1365 negative test results received in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the percentage of the eligible population who are now fully vaccinated has reached 93.6 per cent.
Indigenous community disproportionately affected by COVID-19
Eleven per cent of the ACT's COVID-19 cases during the outbreak have identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Of the 197 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who contracted the virus, 63 have been children under 12, not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Seventy-seven per cent of the cases were unvaccinated, with Winnunga Nimmityjah chief executive Julie Tongs emphasising the importance of vaccination, particularly as the virus is circulating among children.
Walk-in vaccination appointments are available at Winnunga Nimmityjah.
New research has also demonstrated the critical nature of Canberra's booster rollout, as the community has a low level of herd immunity.
"We don't have the high natural infection rates and so if we don't do booster shots we're at higher risk of insurgence," co-author of the study Dr Andrew Jeremijenko said.
Around Australia
NSW has recorded 190 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm.
Across the state 93.6 per cent of the population aged over 16 years have been vaccinated with their first dose, while 88.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.
There are 309 COVID-19 patients in hospital with 68 in ICU.
Victoria recorded fewer than 1000 cases for the second time in over a month.
The state recorded 941 new cases along with eight more deaths overnight, while 82 per cent of the population aged over 16 is fully vaccinated.
There are 657 Victorians hospitalised, 117 in intensive care and 69 requiring ventilation.
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