15 December 2020

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Five cases were reported in overseas travellers. This brings the total number of cases in NSW since the start of the pandemic to 4,461.

CasesCount
Confirmed cases (including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities)4,461
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases)55
Total tests carried out3,622,127

NSW Health is treating 65 COVID-19 cases, with one person in intensive care. Most cases (94 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

There were 5,333 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 6,173 in the previous 24 hours.

Testing numbers remain low, which is a concern. There is no room for complacency with restrictions eased, borders having opened, and school holidays and Christmas being less than two weeks away.

NSW Health reminds people that, regardless of low case numbers, we must remain vigilant against COVID-19; experience has shown us how easily the virus can spread through the community if we let down our guard.

The community is urged to come forward for testing immediately with even the mildest of symptoms. Don't wait to see if your runny nose or sore throat goes away. We are likely to miss cases if there is a delay in being tested.

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

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.

Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW

Likely source of infectionCases past 24 hours*Cases past 7 days**All cases
Overseas 5312,501
Interstate 0090
Locally acquired – linked to known case or cluster 001,437
Locally acquired – no links to known case or cluster00433
Locally acquired – investigation ongoing 000
Under initial investigation000
Total5314,461

Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.

* notified from 8pm 12 December 2020 to 8pm 13 December 2020

** from 8pm 7 December 2020 to 8pm 13 December 2020

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

Since 29 March 2020 Count
Symptomatic travellers tested 7,912
Found positive 166

Since 30 June 2020Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 2 58,092
Found positive335

Since 15 May 2020Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 1069,857
Found positive162