NSW Health was notified late last night of a new case of COVID-19 in a person who works at two Sydney hotels which provide hotel quarantine for returned travellers. This case will be included in tomorrow’s numbers.
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 5,048.
There were 9,269 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 9,994.
The source of the new infection reported overnight is under investigation and urgent genome sequencing is underway. Testing of close contacts of the case is also urgently underway.
Further information will be provided when available, including regarding any community risks should they be identified.
In response to the COVID-19 case in a staff member at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, NSW Health is asking anyone who has arrived in NSW from Queensland after 11 March to check the Queensland Health website for public health advice.
Several venues of concern in Brisbane have been identified and are listed on the Queensland Health website. Anyone who has attended any of these venues during the relevant times is asked to immediately self-isolate and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553. Alternatively, for more information please call Queensland Health on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Anyone who has entered NSW from Greater Brisbane since Thursday 11 March 2021 and who has not attended any of the venues of concern should monitor for symptoms.
Greater Brisbane is defined as Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redland. If symptoms occur, get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received.
In addition, anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane since Thursday 11 March should avoid non-essential visits to hospitals and residential aged care facilities until further notice.
The emergence of these new cases underscores 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 that people come forward for testing if they have even the mildest of symptoms.
NSW Health is treating 51 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. 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.
* Testing previously carried out on day 10 is now carried out on day 12.
Press conference - 14 March 2021
