NSW recorded 112 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night – with 64 linked to a known case or cluster and 48 with no known source.
“I want to stress again, if you put yourself at risk, you’re putting your entire family, and that means extended family, as well as your closest friends and associates at risk,” a visibly frustrated NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian said at today’s NSW COVID-19 media conference.
NSW Health says of the new cases, 42 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts of cases, while the source of infection for 48 cases remains under investigation.
“Forty-eight cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 12 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Thirty-four cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 18 cases remain under investigation,” the health department said today.
There are currently 63 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 18 people in intensive care, four of whom require ventilation.
“Of the 112 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 84 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 16 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, 7 are from Western Sydney LHD and 5 are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD,” NSW Health said.
“While there are a large number of cases and exposure venues in south west Sydney, particularly the Fairfield area, we are now seeing cases of COVID-19 and exposure venues throughout many parts of Greater Sydney, particularly in retail settings.”
Lockdown restrictions continue for people in Greater Sydney – with residents ordered to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave.
“You should only be shopping for essential items and only leaving the house for as short a period of time as possible. We encourage people to shop online or use click and collect options. If you do leave home for an essential reason, remember to check in anywhere you attend.”
NSW Health says transmission in workplaces remains a concern, saying everyone should work from home if possible.
“We cannot have visitors to our homes, and everyone is reminded that your household only includes those who live with you, not any other family members.”
“We are asking people not to seek exceptions to the rules, but to ensure they comply with them, so we reduce the number of infectious cases of COVID-19 in the community,” NSW Health said.
The NSW Premier echoed the health authority’s concerns regarding transmission within workplaces.
“Too many essential workers doing essential work for us all are leaving work with symptoms or spreading the virus in their work place,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“That needs to stop.”
Three cases reported to 8pm last night are linked to Imedic Icare Medical Centre in Fairfield.
Anyone who attended the Medical Centre on Thursday 8 July from 11am to 3pm, and Friday 9 July from 1pm to 6.30pm is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health.
“Four further cases have been recorded to 8pm last night linked to a gathering at the Meriton Suites Waterloo on Saturday 26 June. These cases were contacts of people who attended the gathering and bring the total number of cases linked to this venue to 50,” NSW Health said today.
“NSW Health is working with residents of an apartment block in the Eastern Suburbs where eight cases of COVID have been identified in recent days across five different households.
“These cases reinforce the need for everyone to wear a face mask in a shared foyer or lobby, lifts, stairwells and corridors, and shared laundry facilities of apartment complexes. This advice applies to everyone, including residents, visitors, building managers, concierge staff, contractors, delivery drivers and cleaners.”
