Five new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,001.
There were 20,411 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 19,566 in the previous 24 hours.
Of the five new cases to 8pm last night:
One new case is a healthcare worker from the Concord Emergency Department. They were in isolation while infectious. There are now 21 cases associated with the Liverpool/Concord ED Cluster, including eight staff.
Another new case attended the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club. They were in isolation while infectious. There are now nine cases in this cluster.
The locally acquired case under investigation is from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. While a subsequent test on the person has produced a negative result, NSW Health is taking a cautious approach and asking the individual and close contacts to remain in isolation, while further testing is undertaken.
Anyone who attended the Five Stars Thaitanic, Casula on Saturday 12 September from 4.20pm-5.20pm is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received.
Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found at NSW Government - Latest new and updates.
While the number of locally acquired cases recorded in the past 24 hours is low, the virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms. As such, the risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains.
It’s vital that everyone who does have the virus is tested and diagnosed, in order to stop further spread to others.
NSW Health is again urging anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – to come forward and get tested, so cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible.
This is even more important with the upcoming school holidays, when people will travel across the state.
NSW Health is treating 86 COVID-19 cases, including four in intensive care, three of whom are being ventilated. Eighty-six per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.
COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available or people can visit their GP.
Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.
Press conference - 17 September 2020