The ACT has recorded another 16 coronavirus cases, taking outbreak to 83

The ACT has recorded 16 new COVID-19 cases, bringing an outbreak in the nation's capital to 83.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr speaks to the media during a press conference in Canberra, Friday, August 13, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr speaks to the media during a press conference in Canberra, Friday, 13 August, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP

Australia's capital has recorded 16 new coronavirus cases, taking the ACT's outbreak to 83.

Of the new cases, 11 are linked to existing infections while five remain under investigation.

Canberra's light rail, bus routes, an early learning centre at Turner and a Belconnen general practice are among new close contact exposure sites.

More than 8,700 tests were conducted on Wednesday.
NSW has also recorded two new cases at Queanbeyan, which borders the ACT.

To relieve pressure on its system, the ACT government is looking boost its professional and volunteer COVID-19 workforce.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith earlier flagged she would raise this with her federal counterpart Greg Hunt.

Health authorities have been zeroing in on the time frame in which the virus returned to the territory after 13 months without local cases.
There are concerns NSW, which has recorded a new daily high of 681 cases and another death, will affect Canberra's restrictions going forward.

Federal parliament is going ahead with a two-week sitting starting on Monday despite the outbreak.


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Published 19 August 2021 12:06pm
Updated 19 August 2021 12:14pm
Source: AAP, SBS



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