Extensive investigations remain ongoing into the source of infection for a returned overseas traveller who tested positive to COVID-19 after being released from hotel quarantine, NSW Health said today.
The person from the Wollongong area returned two negative tests during their quarantine period at the Sofitel Wentworth, but subsequently returned a positive result after being contacted on day 16 by NSW Health and requested to be tested again, as part of an enhanced follow-up for all returned overseas travellers introduced last week.
“NSW Health thanks this person for their co-operation in continuing to undertake a range of comprehensive COVID-19 testing as we work to understand the timing and nature of the infection,” the health authority said in a statement today.
“All of this person’s 10 close contacts have now tested negative to COVID-19.”
The person visited a number of venues in Wollongong and surrounding areas, as well as a café in Brighton Le Sands in south-eastern Sydney, before they were notified of the positive result late on Saturday night.
NSW Health has updated its advice for people who attended two previously announced venues in the Wollongong area.
“Anyone who attended the beer garden at the Headlands Hotel (pictured) in Austinmer on Tuesday 2 February from 1pm to 3pm, and the Bulli Beach Café on Saturday 6 February from 1.30pm to 4pm is now considered a close contact and should immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.”
“Anyone who was at the Headlands Hotel (in all areas other than the beer garden), and anyone who got takeaway from the Bulli Beach Café at the above dates and times, is now considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms. If any symptoms develop, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.”
A complete list of venues of concern, and the related health advice, is available on NSW Government – Latest news and updates.
Meanwhile, NSW Health is continuing to screen passengers arriving on flights from Victoria and any person who enters NSW from Victoria by air or rail is required to complete a passenger declaration form.Â
People who have been to any of the public exposure sites listed on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website during the relevant times must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days since being there, regardless of the result.
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.Â
Two new cases were acquired overseas, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,936.
There were 7,315 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 11,399.
“Although today is the 23rd day in a row with no reported locally acquired cases in NSW, testing rates remain too low,” NSW Health said.
“High testing rates are vital to giving us the best chance of finding any new cases and preventing new chains of transmission from becoming established.”
