Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lanie Tindale

As it happened: Jump in demand for COVID-19 tests

Canberrans have been confused by advice over free/paid tests at government-run COVID-19 testing clinics.

The advice has changed multiple times in the past 48 hours, with Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith confirming there will be no charges at ACT government clinics for people who require a COVID PCR test for domestic travel.

However, if a person is required to provide a certificate of a negative result, they will be invoiced for the certificate after the test is undertaken.

New COVID cases are still springing up across the territory with eight new cases recorded on Wednesday amid a jump in testing numbers.

It follows news that COVID vaccine doses are going to waste in Canberra's pharmacies as the booster rollout stalls, and the ACT construction sector did see a bit hit due to COVID-related economic contraction according to the ABS.

Meanwhile, a church and two high schools are among the latest COVID exposure sites in the territory.

The live blog appears below this article, and sometimes takes a moment to appear.

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith had to clarify comments about the cost of COVID tests for the public. Picture: Karleen Minney
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.