NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Seven new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,121.

There were 4,819 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 7,973.

There were 813 COVID-19 vaccines administered by NSW Health in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The total number of vaccines administered by NSW Health is now 127,339.

NSW Health’s vaccination clinics generally operate Monday to Friday. Therefore, there may be limited vaccines administered on weekend days and public holidays due to planned closures.

Temporary restrictions for the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council were lifted at 11.59pm last night (Monday 5 April).

NSW Health reminds the community that the ending of these temporary restrictions has no impact on the self-isolation requirements for the large number of people in these areas who are close contacts. They must continue to isolate for the full 14 days from their date of exposure and get tested again at the end of this period.

NSW Health thanks the community for isolating when required, co-operating with the temporary restrictions and for coming forward for testing in great numbers.

These efforts have provided us with the confidence to lift the restrictions, but we are still in a period of increased risk and we urge the community to remain vigilant for the next week. NSW Health is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust our public health advice accordingly if required.

Though mask wearing will no longer be mandatory from tomorrow, NSW Health continues to strongly recommend that people in the Northern Rivers area wear masks in public indoor settings, particularly those where physical distancing is difficult.

It is critical that people continue to practise COVID-safe behaviours and come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms. Keeping high testing rates in the area is vital to detect any potential transmission in the community and prevent the virus spreading further. After getting tested, people must isolate until they receive a negative result.

There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW and testing capacity has been significantly increased in northern NSW in the past week. To find your nearest clinic, visit COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.

NSW Health is treating 40 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in ICU. Most cases (95 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW

*notified from 8pm 4 April 2021 to 8pm 5 April 2021
**from 30 March 2021 to 8pm 5 April 2021

Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

* Testing previously carried out on day 10 is now carried out on day 12.

COVID-19 vaccination update

*notified from 8pm 5 April 2021

Note: NSW Health’s vaccination clinics generally operate Monday to Friday. Therefore, there may be limited, or no vaccines administered on weekend days and public holidays due to planned closures.

Watch today’s video update with Dr Jeremy McAnulty