24 November 2020

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

Six cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,359 since the start of the pandemic.

Cases
Count
Confirmed cases (including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) 4,359
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases) 55
Total tests carried out 3,398,420

There were 6,976 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 7,836 in the previous 24 hours.

NSW Health is treating 82 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases, 96 per cent, are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

While there have been no new locally acquired cases in NSW for the past 17 days, new infections have appeared in the past after a number of days without any cases because of transmission among people with mild or no symptoms.

Testing rates have declined in the past week, which is a concern despite low case numbers. If even one case of COVID-19 goes undetected, the consequences can be devastating. If people don't come forward for testing, outbreaks can easily be missed early on when they can be more readily controlled.

Testing of Moss Vale sewage samples taken on 19 November identified fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19. This follows positive findings in samples taken earlier in the month. While the fragments may be from previously identified cases in the area, NSW Health reminds the community to come forward immediately for testing should they develop any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild.

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. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours.

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 6452,399
Interstate 0090
Locally acquired – linked to known case or cluster 001,437
Locally acquired – no links to known case or cluster 00433
Locally acquired – investigation ongoing 000
Under initial investigation 000
Total6454,359

Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
*notified from 8pm 22 November 2020 to 8pm 23 November 2020
**from 8pm 17 November 2020 to 8pm 23 November 2020

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

Since 29 March 2020Count
Symptomatic travellers tested 7,141
Found positive 159
Since 30 June 2020Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 2 49,874
Found positive282
Since 15 May 2020Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 1061,911
Found positive147