Four new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,015. There have been no new COVID-related deaths, and the overall number in NSW remains at 55.
There were 7,765 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 13,635 in the previous 24 hours. While it is not unusual for testing numbers to drop off over the weekend, NSW Health would like to see testing levels above 20,000 as achieved last week, particularly in South Western Sydney, and ahead of school holidays.
While the number of locally acquired cases recorded in the past 24 hours continues to be low, the virus is likely still circulating and it is imperative anyone displaying mild symptoms get tested immediately and not delay their test.
Of the four new cases to 8pm last night:
The new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to Concord Hospital. This person had been identified as a close contact and was in isolation. Investigations and contact tracing are continuing.
A case reported yesterday drove a taxi for a number of days while potentially infectious. People who caught a taxi on September 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 in the following suburbs must monitor for symptoms and if any develop immediately get tested: Moorebank, Bankstown, Chipping Norton, Liverpool, Lidcombe, Warwick Farm and Milperra.
NSW Health has identified passengers who booked the taxi in this period directly. These passengers are treated as close contacts and must get tested and isolate for a full 14 days since they were in the taxi even if the test is negative. They must get tested again if any symptoms develop. NSW Health is seeking to identify passengers who caught the Silver Service taxi on the following times and locations. These passengers should call the NSW Health Call Centre on 9391 9000 for further advice.
NSW Health has been and continues to strongly encourage 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.
Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: NSW Government - Latest news and updates.
NSW Health is treating 75 COVID-19 cases, including two in intensive care, one of whom is being ventilated. Eighty-five 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:
A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available or people can visit their GP.
Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.