Disturbing Covid case emerges as NSW infections rise again
NSW has recorded four new locally acquired coronavirus cases a day after going a 24-hour reporting period without a single identified infection.
Three are either directly or indirectly linked to the Berala cluster, two of which were reported to the media on Monday after emerging after the 8pm reporting period cut off on Sunday night.
The Berala cluster now stands at 15, but is expected to rise to 16 with the clarification of one of the aforementioned cases.
That case did not visit the BWS bottle shop at the centre of the outbreak however her husband had.
She had however visited the neighbouring Woolworths store, prompting NSW Health to order anyone who attended the supermarket from December 20 to December 31 to self-isolate until receiving a negative result.
The fourth case is linked to the Croydon cluster and that person was already in isolation.
Camping trip puts regional towns on high alert
Acting Premier John Barilaro said a new case identified Tuesday morning had prompted concern due to their extensive travel history.
“An 18-year-old man from Berala, who travelled from Berala to Orange, Nyngan and then Broken Hill for a camping trip,” he revealed.
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“We're urging people in Orange, Nyngan, and Broken Hill to be tested. Clinics will be set up in due course. This is a reminder of what can occur for people who are moving out of Sydney.”
The male had visited the BWS bottle on December 24.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said he acted swiftly when being alerted to the potential of transmission, seeking testing on Monday after having a runny nose.
The man visited Birdie Noshery in Orange on Sunday from 12.30pm to 2pm, the Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park on Saturday and Sunday.
There were four cases recorded in hotel quarantine.
People who went to the following venues at these times are considered a close contact:
Broken Hill: Gourmet Cribtin, 305 Argent St, Saturday, January 2, 10.40am – 11.20am
Orange: Birdie Noshery and Drinking est., 120-122 Summer Street, Sunday, January 3, 12.30pm – 2pm
Get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.
People who went to the following venues at these times are considered a casual contact:
Nyngan: Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, Barrier Hwy and Mitchell Hwy, Saturday, January 2 to Sunday, January 3
Immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received, and continue to monitor for symptoms and test again if any symptoms develop.
People who went to the following venues must monitor for symptoms:
Broken Hill: Broken Hill Shell, 164 Williams St, Saturday, January 2, 10.52am – 10.55am
Nyngan: Nyngan BP, 180 Mitchell Hwy Nyngan on Sunday, January 3, 9.10am – 9.13am
If symptoms appear, immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
To keep up to date with impacted venues, monitor the NSW Government website here.
Testing plea for western Sydney continues
Testing numbers rose, with 26,000 processed in the previous 24 hours.
Dr Chant once again urged the western Sydney community to come forward for testing.
On Monday she said she wanted to see daily testing well in excess of 30,000 tests.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said anyone who lives in Auburn, Berala, Lidcombe North, Regent’s Park, Rockwood or Potts Hill would not be allowed to attend the controversial Sydney Test at the SCG from Thursday.
Residents breaching the order could face fines of $1000.
Health minister debunks testing myth
Mr Hazzard reiterated calls for anyone with any symptoms to come forward for testing and debunked concerns that the tests require payment.
“I have heard, particularly in the multicultural community, some people thinking they have to pay to test. No, you don't. The Covid test is free,” he said.
“Very early on in this pandemic, we made it very clear that even if you have come from another country, an international destination, and you happen to be caught up here in New South Wales and not able to go back to your own country, NSW Health and the NSW government are picking up the charge for even your hospitalisation, but also for tests.”
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