Twenty new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8.00pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,399.
As cases resulting from community transmission continue to be reported, NSW Health is calling on people across the state to redouble their efforts to stop the virus spreading.
Everyone needs to be aware that there has been transmission in venues such as hotels and restaurants, gyms and social gatherings and therefore they should exercise particular caution in those situations. While it is not a legal requirement, it would be preferable and safer for the time being to avoid all non-essential travel, and not host or attend gatherings of more than 10 people at home (not withstanding that the legal limit is 20 people). Everyone should observe social distancing and hygiene measures and consider wearing a face mask in situations where social distancing is not possible.
It is critical that anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – seeks testing and self-isolates until they get the result. Stay at home, and do not go to work or catch public transport until you are cleared of COVID-19.
All South Western Sydney clinics are open and will continue to operate while there is a need. A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available or people can visit their GP.
There were 21,167 tests carried out in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 25,917 tests in the previous 24 hours. There are 96 COVID-19 cases being treated by NSW Health. Two are in intensive care, and one of these requires a ventilator. In NSW, 2,799 people are known to have recovered from COVID-19.
The 20 new cases include:
A total of eight cases are now linked to the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. NSW Health is directing anyone who was at the Soldiers Club on Monday 13 July, Wednesday 15 July, Thursday 16 July or Friday 17 July to immediately be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of symptoms.
The total number of cases associated with the Crossroads Hotel cluster is 48. This includes 14 who attended the hotel on 3 July, one who attended on 5 July. One case reported yesterday was mistakenly linked to the hotel.
There are now 16 cases associated with the Thai Rock restaurant.
As case investigations continue, we have found a number of venues have been attended by cases. Information on all venues is available at NSW Government - Latest news and updates.
People who work in high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities or aged care homes must not to attend work if they have symptoms and must get tested immediately. People should also not visit relatives in these settings if they have even the mildest of symptoms or have recently returned from Victoria or attended affected venues.
It is essential people follow directions they receive about home isolation and quarantine and maintain COVID-safe practices of physical distancing of 1.5 metres, cough or sneeze into their elbow, and regularly wash their hands.
Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.
Today’s media conference can be viewed at Press conference - 20 July 2020