19 October 2020

NSW has reported no new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The last time there were no new locally transmitted cases in NSW was the 24 hours to 6 October.

Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,153.

Cases Count
Confirmed cases (including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) 4,153
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases)​ 55
Total tests carried out 2,910,053

There were 6,952 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,985 in the previous 24 hours.

Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern.

NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find new cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing.

NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. This is particularly important in South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and South Eastern Sydney where there have been recent locally transmitted cases.

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, and remember 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 more than 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 69 COVID-19 cases, with one patient in intensive care. This patient does not require ventilation. Ninety-six 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​ 2,215
Interstate acquired 91
Loca​lly acquired – contact of a confirmed case and/or in a known cluster 1,452
Locally acquired – contact not identified 395
Under investigation 0
Total 4,153

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
Symptomati​c travellers tested 5,954
Found positive 138
Since 30 June 2020 Count
Asymptomatic travellers sc​reened at day 2 36,037
Found positive 179
Since 15 May 2020 Count
Asymptomatic travellers screened at day 10 48,458
Found positive 129