Four new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,929.
There were 10,129 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 38,526 in the previous 24 hours. While the latter number (38,526) appears to be a record, it includes 18,956 tests conducted by a private laboratory between 10 August and 2 September but not previously reported to NSW Health. All of these tests had negative results and there was no impact on the timely notification of results to any individual tested. The private facility has now resolved the issue.
Of the four new cases to 8pm last night, one is a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine and three are locally acquired.
All three locally acquired cases reported today, who are all healthcare workers, follow investigations in response to the healthcare worker case reported on 5 September who worked at the emergency departments (EDs) in Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Liverpool Hospital.
Four healthcare workers across Concord and Liverpool EDs have now tested positive for COVID-19.
The previously reported health care worker worked two shifts while potentially infectious. These shifts took place at Concord ED on 1 September from 2pm until midnight and at Liverpool ED on 3 September from 8am to 6pm. The health care worker reported wearing full PPE for all patient interactions and a mask at other times. The case isolated and got tested immediately on developing symptoms.
The three new cases reported today are:
The three newly reported health workers reported having no symptoms while at work and wore personal protective equipment while caring for patients.
In addition overnight a new case has been reported in a visitor to a patient at Concord ED on 1 September. This case will be reported in tomorrow's numbers.
Patients considered close contacts and all staff working at Concord and Liverpool EDs at the same times as the positive cases are being isolated and tested. Investigations into the source of these infections are ongoing.
Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found at NSW Government - Latest new and updates.
NSW Health is treating 83 COVID-19 cases, including seven in intensive care, four of whom are being ventilated. Most cases (84%) being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.
COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available or people can visit their GP.
Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.
Press conference - 7 September
