NSW records one new locally acquired coronavirus case as testing rates go down

There is just a single new case of locally acquired COVID-19 in NSW and authorities are urging anyone trick-or-treating on Halloween to carry hand sanitiser.

A person is being tested at a coronavirus testing facility at Bondi Beach in Sydney, 15 October, 2020.

A person is being tested at a coronavirus testing facility at Bondi Beach in Sydney, 15 October, 2020. Source: AAP

NSW has one new case of locally transmitted COVID-19, while three cases have been recorded in returned travellers who are in hotel quarantine.

The new case comes after a lucky hat trick of three consecutive days without any locally transmitted cases.

NSW Health says the new local infection is linked to a household contact of a previously reported case that's linked to the Oran Park community cluster and that person has been in isolation.
There are now 23 cases linked to that cluster in Sydney's southwest.

There were 7447 tests reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday, compared with 12,465 in the previous day.

"While it is not unusual for weekend testing numbers to be lower, if we are to ensure NSW continues to detect cases as soon as possible and prevent onward transmission, it is vital that members of the community continue to come forward for testing," a NSW Health statement said on Monday.

If anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could signal COVID-19, they should be tested right away.

NSW Health is treating 80 COVID-19 cases, with no patients in intensive care.
Meanwhile, NSW Health is urging anyone who wants to go Halloween trick-or-treating on Saturday to do it in a COVID- safe way.

"If you are planning on trick-or-treating this Halloween carry hand sanitiser with you and use it often, keep 1.5 metres away from other households and stay in small groups," it tweeted.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

News and information is available in 63 languages at .

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory:  .


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2 min read
Published 26 October 2020 11:36am
Updated 26 October 2020 11:50am
Source: AAP, SBS



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