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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lanie Tindale

Man in 50s dies with COVID-19, as ACT sets another hospitalisation record

In-depth COVID

A man in his 50s with COVID-19 has died in the ACT, taking the territory's death toll during the pandemic to 79.

The ACT has also set two records, for hospitalisations (the sixth time it's done so in the past seven days) and for known active cases in the community.

There were 122 people with COVID-19 in hospital in the 24 hours to Wednesday 8pm. Of those, two patients are in the ICU but none are on ventilation.

The ACT recorded 1250 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours until 8pm Wednesday.

There are now 6730 known active cases in community, topping the previous record of 6655 set on January 19 at the initial Omicron wave peak.

ACT Health has said that people who are at risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 may be eligible for specific medications or medical advice.

This may be for people who:

  • Aged 65 years+ and have an underlying health condition pregnant and have an underlying health condition
  • An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 years+ and have an underlying health condition
  • Are aged 18 years and older and unvaccinated
  • Have certain underlying health conditions including obesity, diabetes, serious cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease (including severe asthma requiring hospitalisation in the last 12 months), severe chronic liver or kidney disease, active cancer or conditions or medications that mean you are immunocompromised

"If you test positive to COVID-19 and you are in one of these groups, or are unsure, speak to a GP or another medical specialist as soon as possible," ACT Health said.

"These medications need to be started as soon as possible for best results. Also ask about how you can access other medical care while you are in isolation with COVID-19.

"If you cannot speak to your GP or regular GP practice, the ACT COVID-19 Care@Home can also help. Contact 02 5124 3085 between 8am to 6pm, daily. After 6pm, you can call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222."

COVID-19 vaccinations

Parents in NSW are being urged to get a free influenza vaccination for their children during the school holidays as the state's hospitals continue to be inundated by people sick from the virus.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard has extended the winter season free jab program for all state residents by two weeks to July 17, or until the end of the two school week holiday period.

  • Aged 5-11 years (1 dose): 80.6 per cent
  • Aged 5-11 years (2 doses): 68.9 per cent
  • Aged 5+ years (2 doses): 97.4 per cent
  • Aged 16+ years (3 doses): 77.3 per cent

Around Australia

NSW

  • Deaths: 23
  • New cases: 11,504
  • Hospitalisations: 1534
  • ICU: 37
  • Ventilation: Unknown

Victoria

  • Deaths: 17
  • New cases: 9926
  • Hospitalisations: 465
  • ICU: 21
  • Ventilation: 4

Queensland

  • Deaths: 10
  • New cases: 5286
  • Hospitalisations: 642
  • ICU: 14
  • Ventilation: Unknown

South Australia

  • TBA

Tasmania

  • New cases: 1268
  • Hospitalisations: 43
  • ICU: 3
  • Ventilation: Unknown

Northern Territory

  • New cases: 354
  • Hospitalisations: 15
  • ICU: 2
  • Ventilation: Unknown

Western Australia

  • WA no longer provides daily updates

Our coverage of the health and safety aspects of this outbreak of COVID-19 in the ACT is free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. You can also sign up for our newsletters for regular updates.

Canberra Health Services lab Scientist Jasmin van Dijk. Picture: Keegan Carroll
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