COVID-19 testing more than doubled in NSW yesterday, with the state reporting close to 14,000 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, compared with just 6,040 the previous day.
The state recorded no new locally transmitted cases in the same 24 hour period, with two new cases reported in overseas travellers currently in quarantine.
“With restrictions being eased and borders reopening, now is not the time to be complacent. While numbers have increased since yesterday, there are still too few people being tested,” NSW Health said in a statement.
“Experience has shown us how easily the virus can spread through the community if we let down our guard. We are likely to miss cases if there is a delay in being tested.
“Please come forward for testing immediately with even the mildest of symptoms. Don’t wait to see if your runny nose or sore throat goes away.”
The health department is urging residents in south-western Sydney to get tested if they have any symptoms after fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 were detected at the Liverpool sewage treatment plant.
“The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage may reflect the presence of known cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in recent weeks in the area served by this sewage treatment plant,” NSW Health said.
“However, NSW Health is concerned there could be other active cases in the local community in people who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are just a cold.”
The area served by the treatment plant includes the suburbs of Bardia, Hinchinbrook, Hoxton Park, Abbotsbury, Ingleburn, Prestons, Holsworthy, Edmondson Park, Austral, Cecil Park, Cecil Hills, Elizabeth Hills, Bonnyrigg Heights, Edensor Park, Green Valley, Pleasure Point, Casula, Hammondville, Liverpool, Moorebank, Wattle Grove, Miller, Cartwright, Lurnea, Warwick Farm, Chipping Norton, Voyager Point, Macquarie Links, Glenfield, Catherine Field, Gledswood Hills, Varroville, Leppington, West Hoxton, Horningsea Park, Middleton Grange, Len Waters Estate, Carnes Hill, Denham Court.
Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the source of the recent COVID-19 case who worked at a Sydney quarantine hotel complex.
“Testing of close contacts of the case is continuing, and no further positive results have been identified,” said NSW Health.
“NSW Health continues to urge travellers who may have travelled on the same public transport services as this case to come forward for testing.”
All affected services and carriage numbers can be found on the NSW Health website.
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.
