A sixth person has died in Australia of coronavirus as the number of cases passes 500.
NSW Health confirmed on Wednesday afternoon an 86-year-old man previously confirmed to have COVID-19 died on Tuesday night in a Sydney hospital.
The number of coronavirus cases in NSW jumped by 59 on Wednesday to 269, NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant told reporters. More than 25,000 tests have been conducted.
The number of COVID-19 cases with no known source of transmission has also increased in NSW, the state hardest hit by the outbreak, health authorities said.
In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews announced 27 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the state's total to 121. In Western Australia there were four new cases confirmed, bringing WA's total to 35.
As of 2.30pm AEDT on Wednesday there were also 94 in cases in Queensland, 32 in South Australia, seven in Tasmania and three in the ACT.
Dr Chant attributed the rise of cases in NSW to an influx of Australians returning from overseas as citizens around the world are implored to return to their home countries.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says COVID-19 cases in the state now total more than 250. Source: AAP
"What we've been seeing is increasing cases in returning travellers from Europe and also America adding to those previous countries we've had - the original ones," Dr Chant said in Sydney.
"The outbreak has changed and evolved."
Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday reiterated her confidence NSW would pull through the crisis.
"When we stick together, all the states and the national government working hand in hand, with good people advising us on a daily basis ... good, sound decisions will be made," she told reporters.
Early on Wednesday morning, when there were 454 confirmed cases in Australia, the Department of Health said at least 43 people diagnosed with COVID-19 had already recovered.
Calls for more testing
NSW Opposition leader Jodi McKay wants more COVID-19 testing with fast-tracked results.
The Labor leader said anyone showing symptoms - not solely those returning from overseas or in contact with confirmed cases - should be tested.
"In South Korea they're testing 15,000 people a day ... and they're getting the tests the next day," Ms McKay told reporters on Wednesday.
"Here we know of people who are waiting up to a week to get their test results. These test results must be given immediately and everyone who seeks a COVID-19 test must be given one."
Australia on Wednesday upgraded its international travel advice to the highest level with citizens told not to travel overseas.
A nurse holds a swabs and test tube kit to test people for COVID-19. Source: AP
The government has also banned indoor non-essential gatherings with 100 people or more and all outdoor gatherings with more than 500 people have been cancelled.
As of Tuesday afternoon, only people who have recently travelled from overseas or have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and experienced symptoms within 14 days are advised to be tested.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
