The Northern Territory has reported its third coronavirus death as case numbers continue to rise.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles says the death of a woman in her 50s has been attributed to the virus.
The woman had recently received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The NT reported 1133 new infections on Wednesday and revised up the number of cases from Tuesday to 1038 after the inclusion of more rapid antigen test results.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Charles Pain said the latest fatality involved a woman who was a "very significant" member of the Mutitjulu community in central Australia.
"There's deep sadness there related to the passing of that individual," he said.
Officials also confirmed 129 people were in hospital with COVID-19 including five in intensive care.
Dr Pain said hospitalisation rates were manageable but were putting a strain on the Territory's resources.
"We're seeing over a thousand cases a day. We expected this number to be reached and it may go higher," he said.
"We hope that it will peak in the next week or so."
Ms Fyles said the government had expected a rise in case numbers as people returned from interstate holidays before the start of the school year.
But she rejected suggestions central and remote communities had been left to fend for themselves.
She said local communities had their own response plans that fed into the Territory's emergency management structure.
"We are continuing to respond to the needs of each and every community," the minister said.
"If community members feel there is something lacking in their community there are processes for them to advise the government."
