NSW recorded seven locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional four cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

Six of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 122.

The source of the other locally acquired case remains under investigation and contact tracing is underway. This person is a firefighter who lives on the Northern Beaches. NSW Health is working with Fire and Rescue NSW to ensure all contacts are identified and tested.

This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,669 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 23,933 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 39,133. NSW has now exceeded four million tests conducted since the start of the pandemic. Over the past week alone, NSW has recorded almost 350,000 tests.

NSW Health thanks the community for their excellent response in coming forward for testing and following public health advice. Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19.

NSW Health also thanks the many people currently self-isolating, which we appreciate is difficult. However, if you are a close contact of a case, it is critical you continue to self-isolate for 14 days since exposure, even if you receive a negative test result.

Of the new cases to 8pm last night:

• Seven cases are locally acquired, and of these
• Six cases are linked to the Avalon cluster
• One further case is under investigation
• Four cases were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

NSW Health is treating 107 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (99 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

The state's sewage surveillance program has detected traces of the virus in the Warriewood, Hornsby Heights and Brooklyn catchment areas. NSW Health is aware of recently positive cases in these areas, but urges local residents to come forward for testing if they have even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited a growing list of locations across Sydney. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at Latest news and updates.

It's vital that people keep up their guard against COVID-19 over the holiday period, by limiting social interactions where feasible and following recommended infection control practices, including physical distancing and hand hygiene. Don't risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the mildest symptoms, stay home and don't go to the event.

Testing clinics will remain open over the holiday period, including today and heading into New Year's Day. There are more than 350 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.

Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW

Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
*notified from 8pm 25 December 2020 to 8pm 26 December 2020
**from 8pm 20 December 2020 to 8pm 26 December 2020

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

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