Due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers associated with the Avalon cluster and concerns over wider transmission, NSW Health is issuing an urgent call to all residents of NSW – not only those in the Northern Beaches – to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
Anyone in the state with even the mildest symptoms such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received.
The source of these infections remains under investigation, though genome sequencing points to the strain being of US origin.
Residents of the Northern Beaches have been asked to stay home as much as possible over the next three days to assist with contact tracing and reducing transmission.
Anyone in the Northern Beaches LGA has also been asked today to wear a mask when indoors for at least the next 72 hours, excepting your own home.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have visited a number of locations around Sydney.
Anyone who attended the following locations is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result:
People who have visited the following locations are casual contacts, and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:
Confirmed cases travelled on the following transport services. Other passengers are considered to be casual contacts, and should get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
Many other locations have been added to the list of venues of concern visited by confirmed cases in recent days. The complete list of these venues are available on NSW Government - COVID-19.
Everyone is urged to ensure they maintain physical distance at all times. Please wear a mask in places where this is not possible, such as on public transport and in taxis and rideshares, in supermarkets, shopping centres and at places of worship.
All businesses are urged to ensure full compliance with their COVID-Safe plans, including appropriate electronic recording of patrons’ contact details.
There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.