NSW latest coronavirus data as at 9 December

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Two cases were reported in overseas travellers, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the start of the pandemic to 4,433.

NSW Health is treating 74 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (96 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in Special Health Accommodation.

There were 13,970 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 6,040 in the previous 24 hours.

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.

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.

People in south-western Sydney are being urged to come forward for testing 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. 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.

Sewage testing began in July, adding another tool in the fight against the pandemic. There is no evidence COVID-19 is transmitted via wastewater systems.

Investigations continue into the source of the recent COVID-19 case who works at a Sydney quarantine hotel complex. Testing of close contacts of the case is continuing, and no further positive results have been identified.

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.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.
• Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
• Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.

Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW

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

*notified from 8pm 7 December 2020 to 8pm 8 December 2020

**from 8pm 1 December 2020 to 8pm 8 December 2020

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date