Worrying Covid-19 trend

COVID patients from regional NSW are now seeking treatment in Canberra hospitals as the state grapples with its “equal highest” daily number of new cases, the Chief Minister announced.

Canberra recorded 32 new locally-acquired cases on Saturday, with 26 linked.

Two are linked to the Canberra Hospital while 10 are linked to the Haydon Retirement Community in Bruce.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said only seven were in quarantine during their entire infectious period and 24 spent some time in the community.

On Saturday, he told reporters health authorities were starting to see a “large number of patients” that were coming into ACT hospitals unable to seek treatment in NSW.

“As anticipated, the increase in demand on our health system is coming from regional NSW,” Mr Barr said.

“This is a trend we anticipate to continue.” Of the new cases, 10 people are in hospital while four are in ICU. Three people require ventilation. Two people tested positive in a ward at the Canberra Hospital.