NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
There were two cases recorded in returned travellers, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,856.
There were 16,070 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 20,437.
While two days without any locally acquired cases is encouraging, it is likely that COVID-19 is continuing to circulate in the community among people who have mild or no symptoms. We must continue to do our utmost to detect every case of COVID-19, as this means the case can isolate appropriately, which prevents the virus being passed on to others.
To detect cases in the community effectively, we need to see higher testing numbers. This is particularly important in Sydney’s west, south-west and northern beaches, as well as Wollongong, because of recent cases who have been in these areas.
The best thing any of us can do for our families, friends and communities is to get tested immediately if we experience any cold- or flu-like symptoms, no matter how mild, then isolate until a negative result is received.
If any of your friends or family have symptoms, please urge them to get tested, too.
People in Sydney’s north-west are being asked to be extra vigilant when it comes to symptoms after NSW Health’s ongoing sewage surveillance program overnight detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at a treatment plant in West Hornsby, which takes in a catchment of nearly 58,000 people.
While this could reflect known returned travellers in the area, everyone living or working in Glenorie, Wahroonga, Thornleigh, Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, Galston, Dural, Westleigh, Glenhaven, Waitara, Hornsby, Normanhurst and West Pennant Hills should monitor for symptoms and get tested and isolate immediately if they appear.
There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.
Please check the NSW Government website regularly for information on new and updated venues of concern related to cases of COVID-19, and follow the health advice if you were at any of these locations at the times listed.
NSW Health is treating 113 COVID-19 cases, one of whom is in intensive care. Most cases (97 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.
Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
*notified from 8pm 13 January 2020 to 8pm 14 January 2021 **from 8pm 8 January 2021 to 8pm 14 January 2021.
* Testing previously carried out on day 10 is now carried out on day 12.