One new case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,024. The case is that of a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine.
There were 16,759 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 7,616 in the previous 24 hours.
This marks the second day in a row with no community transmission of COVID-19. The last time NSW had consecutive days without community transmission was July 3, 4, and 5.
While there were no locally acquired cases recorded in the past 48 hours, the virus is likely still circulating and it is imperative anyone displaying mild symptoms get tested immediately and not delay their test.
Testing numbers were higher today, but they have declined in recent weeks. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19.
If people don’t come forward and get tested, we can’t keep the pandemic at bay.
We would like to see testing levels above 20,000 as achieved last week, particularly in South Western Sydney, and ahead of school holidays. For the sake of your friends and family, get a test. And if symptoms recur even a few days later, test again. It’s free.
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 74 COVID-19 cases, including three 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.