15 October 2020

NSW has reported six new cases of locally transmitted COVID 19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Five cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were also diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,132.

There were 15,802 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 16,021 in the previous 24 hours.

Cases Count
Confirmed cases (including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) 4,132
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases)​​ 55
Total tests carried out 2,859,347 

Of the 11 new cases to 8pm last night: 

  • Five were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine 
  • Four were locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster
  • Two were locally acquired with the source still under investigation

Three of the new locally acquired cases are linked to the Lakemba GP cluster, which now has 15 cases in total. All three cases are household contacts of known cases. Contact tracing and investigations into the source of the cluster continue. 

One case still under investigation, announced yesterday but included in today’s numbers, lives in the Bargo area of south western Sydney. Another new case is a household contact of this case. 

The other new case still under investigation lives in south east Sydney. Close contacts of this case are isolating and being tested. The investigation into the source of the infection is continuing and contact tracing is underway.

NSW Health can advise confirmed cases have recently used a range of public transport. Anyone who travelled on the following trains is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received:

  • Train from Mount Druitt Station at 4pm to Auburn at 5:15pm on 8 October 
  • Train from Auburn Station at 8:45pm to Rooty Hill Station at 9:30pm on 8 October
  • Train from Mount Druitt Station at 8:50am to Parramatta Station at 9:30am on 10 October
  • Train from Parramatta Station at 1:00pm to Mount Druitt Station at 1:40pm on 10 October
  • Train from Mount Druitt Station at 9:20am to Auburn Station at 10:05am on 11 October
  • Train from Auburn Station at 4:55pm to Mount Druitt Station at 5:35pm on 11 October 

NSW Health strongly encourages people to wear masks when unable to physically distance, particularly in indoor settings and on public transport, to keep everyone safe. As previously advised, when taking taxis or rideshare commuters should sit in the back and wear a mask.

NSW Health can advise a previously reported case attended the Billy Bear Preschool and Early Learning Centre in Ingleburn while possibly infectious on 9 October. Contact tracing is underway. 

NSW Health issued a public health alert on 14 October for ACE Tutoring, 25 George St, Parramatta after a confirmed case attended while infectious on Saturday 10 October. Further investigation has identified people who attended only one specific class between 9:30am and 1:20pm are now considered close contacts. These people are being contacted and must get tested immediately and isolate for a full 14 days from exposure regardless of the result. 

Anyone else who attended ACE Tutoring on this day is now considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. 

Everyone plays an important role in helping to contain the pandemic by getting tested quickly and following social distancing rules. Get tested on the day you get symptoms – don’t wait to see if they go away. Assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test. There is no limit on how many tests you can have. 

Testing is quick, free, and easy and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, please come forward for testing right away. 

There are over 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.

COVID-19 is still likely circulating 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 when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. ​
Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be at NSW Government - Latest news and updates.

Confirmed cases to date

By likely source of infection Count
Overseas 2,201
Interstate acquired 91
Locally acquired – contact of a confirmed case and/or in a known cluster 1,444
Locally acquired ​– contact not identified 396
Under investigation 0
Total 4,132

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 2020 Count
Symptomatic travellers tested 5,870
Found positive 138
Since 30 June 2020​ Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 2 34,556
Found positive 169
Since 15 Ma​y 2020 Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 10 47,058
Found positive 127

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