Cases in these statistics refer to cases identified via PCR tests only.
As of 10 February 2023, NSW Health report only positive SARS-CoV-2 test results. Changes to the COVID-19 public health orders for COVID-19 means it is no longer necessary for laboratories to provide data on negative PCR test results, in line with other diseases. Positive COVID-19 results, through both PCR tests and notified rapid antigen test results, will continue to be reported.
NSW Health uses a wide range of surveillance systems, including hospital data, sewage surveillance, and genomic sequencing, to closely monitor COVID-19 and inform its public health response.
*Includes all locally acquired cases (known and unknown source)
**The NSW Total counts include cases with incomplete address information.
The tables show the location of residence by Local Government Area (LGA) or local health district (LHD) of locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the last four weeks. It is based on the date the person first developed symptoms. When no date of symptom onset is available (it is either under investigation by public health staff or the person tested positive without showing symptoms), the date of the positive test is used. Infections are not always acquired in the place of residence as people often travel outside their area for many reasons (e.g. work, school and shopping).
Cases without a NSW residential address and people who were exposed interstate or overseas are not shown. Case counts may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.