22 August 2020

Nine new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,792.

CasesCount
Confirmed cases (including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) 3,792
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases)54
Total tests carried out1,969,093

There were 30,810 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 32,580 in the previous 24 hours.

Of the nine new cases reported to 8.00pm last night:

  • Four cases are close contacts of previously reported cases whose source is under investigation
  • Two are cases whose source is under investigation
  • One case is a household contact of a previously reported confirmed case linked to the Tangara School for Girls Cherrybrook cluster
  • Two cases are household contacts of previously reported known cases linked to the Bankstown area funeral gatherings cluster

A case notified after the reporting period worked as a security guard at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel while it was operating for overseas returned travellers in quarantine. An update on this case will be provided this afternoon.

One of today's cases attended Cabramatta Family Practice on John St Cabramatta on 20 August. The practice is closed and has been cleaned and everyone at the facility at the time is being contacted.

A previously reported case attended Westfield Mt Druitt while infectious. People who visited the centre on the following dates must monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur immediately get tested and isolate:

  • Wednesday 12 August, between 12.00pm and 12.30pm
  • Friday 14 August, between 11.00am and 12.00pm August

Anyone directed to undertake a 14-day self-isolation period must stay in isolation for the full 14 days, even if they test negative during this time. Early testing may not detect an infection, and release from self-isolation based on a negative test could allow an infectious person to infect others in the community. People who are infected and develop symptoms will generally do so within 14 days of exposure.

If you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, assume it's COVID-19 until proven otherwise – isolate and get tested right away; don't delay.

While case numbers have remained low this week the virus continues to circulate in the community and vigilance must be maintained. It is vital that high rates of testing continue in order to find the source of the cases still under investigation and to identify and stop further spread of the virus. NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms – including runny nose, sore throat, cough, or loss of taste and smell – to come forward for testing. It is the best way to protect your family, friends and the wider community.

For a list of locations associated with known cases and advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing, see NSW Government - Latest new and updates.

There are currently 97 COVID-19 cases being treated by NSW Health. There are seven COVID‑19 patients in intensive care and five are ventilated. 85 per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:

  • If you are unwell, stay in, get tested and isolate.
  • Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
  • Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
  • Wear a mask in situations where you cannot physically distance.

A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available or people can visit their GP.

Confirmed cases to date

By likely source of infection Count
Overseas 2,059
Interstate acquired 89
Locally acquired – contact of a confirmed case and/or in a known cluster 1,260
Locally acquired – contact not identified 384
Under investigation 0
Total 3,792

Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

Since 29 March 2020Count
Symptomatic travellers tested 4,608
Found positive 121
Since 30 June 2020Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at a day 2 15,421
Found positive83
Since 15 May 2020Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at a day 1028,773
Found positive119

Watch the video update.