As at 11am today, an additional 40 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, since our last update at 11am, March 18, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 307.
Of the confirmed cases, approximately 5 people are currently in our Intensive Care Units. The majority of cases have mild disease and are in isolation at home.
A confirmed case attended the Rugby Australia Australian Club Championship post-match function, following a game between Sydney University and the University of Queensland Rugby Clubs. This function was held at the Sydney University Football Ground Function Room on Saturday 14 March starting at 7:30pm and finishing at 10:30pm. Those who attended the function are considered close contacts, and are required to home isolate until midnight Saturday 28 March.
NSW Health have been notified that a female patient, currently being treated at Shoalhaven Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19. NSW Health public health and infection control officers are urgently working with hospital staff to ensure all patients, staff and others who may have had close contact with the female patient are identified. These people are being contacted and will be in self-isolation for 14 days after their last contact with the confirmed case. Several mitigation strategies are in place to ensure continuity of service at Shoalhaven Hospital.
NSW Health is alerting passengers who were close contacts on the following flights to monitor for symptoms, and contact their GP, but call ahead first, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or visit a NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinic should they become unwell.
NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinics are up and running across the state however, we stress these clinics are for those most at risk with respiratory symptoms or fever, those returning from overseas or in contact with a COVID-19 case, or people like our health workers. People without symptoms do not need to be tested.
The location of these clinics is available at COVID-19 clinics.
Footage of the State Emergency Operations Centre is also available.