NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Three new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,062.
There were 14,049 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 14,255.
There have been no new cases of local transmission associated with the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, following the identification of three cases now known to be genomically linked involving one security guard and two returned travellers.
Investigations continue into the nature and direction of the transmission between the cases.
Close contacts of the security guard, including his household contacts, have all tested negative to date and will continue to self-isolate for 14 days.
Ongoing testing of staff at both quarantine hotels where the security guard worked has identified no additional cases. No other returned travellers on the same floor of the Sofitel Wentworth have tested positive to date.
A full list of the exposure venues associated with the security guard can be viewed on the NSW Government website.
These cases underscore the need for continued community vigilance for any signs and symptoms that could be COVID-19. It is critical that everyone continues to practise COVID-safe behaviours and seek testing with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms.
Health screening on arrival from New Zealand will continue, however arrivals from Auckland now no longer need to have a COVID-19 test.
Provided everyone on an incoming flight has been only in Australia or NZ in the previous 14 days and is well, they are not required to go into either hotel quarantine or self-isolation. They do need to provide their contact details, in case there is a need for contact tracing.
NSW Health is treating 48 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in ICU. Most cases (90 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.
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.
Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
*notified from 8pm 16 March 2021 to 8pm 17 March 2021**from 11 March 2021 to 8pm 17 March 2021
* Testing previously carried out on day 10 is now carried out on day 12.
Video update - 18 March 2021
