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

Three cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were also diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,158.

There were 7,401 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 6,952 in the previous 24 hours.

Anyone with symptoms of a cold should assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test. Get tested on the day you get those symptoms – don’t wait to see if they go away. 

Of the new cases to 8pm last night: 

• Three were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine 
• Two were locally acquired, both linked to known cases and clusters 

One locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously confirmed case linked to the Liverpool private clinic cluster, which now has a total of 12 cases. The other locally acquired case is a close contact of a confirmed case linked to someone who attended the childcare centre at Oran Park.

NSW Health is treating 64 COVID-19 cases, with one patient in intensive care. This patient does not require ventilation. Ninety-four per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find undiagnosed cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing.

NSW Health particularly thanks the Oran Park community for its brilliant response to our calls for increased testing. From 1 August to 10 October 2020, the average number of COVID-19 tests conducted each week among residents of Oran Park was 227, but during the week ending 17 October 2020, the number of tests increased almost four-fold to 895.

However, increases in surrounding suburbs were far more modest and NSW Health continues to appeal to the community in South Western Sydney to come forward for testing right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. This is also particularly important in Western Sydney and South Eastern Sydney, where there have also been locally transmitted cases recently.

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.

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. 

Confirmed cases to date

Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date