NSW recorded eight locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional three cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW to 4,769 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 18,923 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 31,864. While testing numbers generally drop on weekends, NSW Health urges people – especially those in western, south-western Sydney and Wollongong – to continue to come forward with even the mildest of symptoms.

Every person who is tested plays an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Of the 8 new locally acquired cases to 8pm last night:

• Five are linked to the Berala cluster, which now numbers 13.
• Two are contacts of previously reported cases linked to the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 148.
• One is a contact of a previously reported case from Wollongong.
• In addition, 3 cases were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

In response to the growing Berala cluster, NSW Health has revised its advice for those who attended the BWS store at Berala between Tuesday 22 December and Thursday 31 December inclusive.

Anyone who attended the store for any period of time on the above dates and the times listed on the NSW Government website is now considered a close contact. They must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days from the last date of exposure, regardless of whether a negative result is received.

People are urged to check the NSW Government website for regularly updated details of all venues and public transport routes of concern, and the associated public health advice.

Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the NSW Government introduced additional public health measures from midnight last night.

Face masks became mandatory as of midnight in the following indoor settings: shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres); public/shared transport; indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres); places of worship and hair and beauty premises. Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services.

Other measures further limit the number of people who can gather in certain settings. People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

While these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney, we urge all residents and visitors across NSW to practice COVID-safe behaviours and get tested even with mild symptoms.

Testing clinics are open throughout the holiday break. 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 testing clinics or contact your GP.

NSW Health is treating 125 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (99 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW

Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
* notified from 8pm 1 January 2021 to 8pm 2 January 2021
** from 8pm 27 December 2020 to 8pm 2 January 2021

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date