Seven new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, and one previous case has now been excluded following further investigation, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,987.

There were 8,835 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 9,316 in the previous 24 hours.

Testing numbers have dropped over the past two weeks, which is a concern particularly in areas like South Western, Western and South Eastern Sydney.

Of the seven new cases to 8pm last night:

• Three are overseas travellers in hotel quarantine
• One is from Victoria in hotel quarantine
• Two are locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster
• One is locally acquired with their source still under investigation

One new case is a household contact of a previous case linked to Concord Hospital.

One new case is a healthcare worker at Liverpool Hospital. Source investigations are still ongoing and contact tracing is underway.

One new case is a returned NSW resident from Victoria. All passengers on the same flight from Victoria into Sydney are in hotel quarantine.

NSW Health can also advise a new additional case has now been confirmed in a student of Blue Mountains Grammar school. The school is now closed while further tracing and cleaning is undertaken. This case will be included in tomorrow’s official numbers.

While the number of locally acquired cases recorded in the past 24 hours is low, the virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms. As such, the risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains.

It’s vital that everyone who does have the virus is tested and diagnosed, in order to stop further spread to others.

NSW Health is again urging anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – to come forward and get tested, so cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible.

This is even more important with the upcoming school holidays, when people will travel across the state.

Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found at NSW Government - Latest new and updates.

NSW Health is treating 86 COVID-19 cases, including six in intensive care, three of whom are being ventilated. Eighty-six per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.
• 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 on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance.

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

Confirmed cases to date

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

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date