16 October 2020

NSW has reported one new case of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were also diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,137.

There were 16,391 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 15,802 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health would like to thank the community for coming forward for testing – please keep getting tested for even the slightest of symptoms.

Cases Count
Confirmed cases (including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) 4,137
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases)​​ 55
Total tests carried out 2,875,738 

Of the five new cases to 8pm last night: 

  • Four were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine 
  • One was locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster

The one new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to the Lakemba cluster. 

NSW Health is working in close cooperation with a number of other agencies to provide the Lakemba community and local businesses with extra support to help achieve COVID-safe practices.

The state’s sewage surveillance program detected traces of the COVID-19 virus in raw sewage at a treatment plant at Quakers Hill on 13 October 2020. The plant serves part of Sydney’s west and north west, which includes areas where recent cases have resided. These findings serve as a reminder that people in these areas need to remain particularly vigilant for symptoms of possible COVID-19 and to get tested immediately should they occur. 

A positive SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) sewage result can provide an early warning of possible virus introduction in areas where transmission had not previously been detected.

Anyone who attended these venues must follow the advice immediately. As the full 14 days since exposure has elapsed contacts do not need to continue to isolate if a negative test result is received:

  • Bargo Hotel, Great Southern Road Bargo, on 26 September 2020 between 7pm - 9pm. 
    • Patrons or staff who were there for an hour or more during this time are considered close contacts must get tested regardless of symptoms. 
    • Patrons or staff who were there for less than one hour during this time are considered casual contacts and must be tested should they have had any symptoms at all. 

  • Spotlight Plaza, 147 Queens St Campbelltown, including the Spotlight store and Gloria Jean’s on 26 September 2020 between 11am - 1pm. 
    • Patrons or staff who were there during this time are considered casual contacts and must be tested should they have had any symptoms at all. 

  • Narellan Town Centre on 26 September 2020 between 3pm - 5pm. 
    • Patrons or staff who were there during this time are considered casual contacts and must be tested should they have had any symptoms at all. 

Everyone plays an important role in helping to contain the pandemic by getting tested quickly and following social distancing rules. Get tested on the day you get symptoms – don’t wait to see if they go away. Assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test. There is no limit on how many tests you can have. 

Testing is quick, free, and easy and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, please come forward for testing right away. 

There are over 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.

NSW Health is treating 71 COVID-19 cases, including one in intensive care who does not require ventilation. Ninety-three per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

COVID-19 is still likely circulating in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: 

  • If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.
  • Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
  • Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. 
  • Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. 
Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be at NSW Government - Latest news and updates.

Confirmed cases to date

By likely source of infection Count
Overseas 2,205
Interstate acquired 91
Locally acquired – contact of a confirmed case and/or in a known cluster 1,446
Locally acquired ​– contact not identified 395
Under investigation 0
Total 4,137

Counts reported for a particular day may vary over time with ongoing enhanced surveillance activities.

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

Since 29 March 2020 Count
Symptomatic travellers tested 5,888
Found positive 138
Since 30 June 2020​ Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 2 34,924
Found positive 173
Since 15 Ma​y 2020 Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 10 47,425
Found positive 127

Press conference​

Press conference  - 16 October 2020​​​​​​​​​​​​​