Covid Update: Record testing

“I nearly fell of my chair; more than 60,000 people came forward for testing overnight!” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

There were 60,184 tests conducted in the past 24 hours and only another 9 locally acquired infections, which of which are linked to the Avalon cluster which now numbers 104 people with the virus.

The Premier was enthused by the public response to testing, but stressed “we aren’t out of the woods yet.”

“The testing results are beyond amazing and encouraging,” said the Premier.

“But we are far from out of the woods…we have to be extra vigilant over the next few days.

“Do not visit people who are in isolation and if you experience any symptoms, even on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, please go and get tested, don’t wait.

“Please get tested no matter what day it is.

“We need everybody to be extra Covid-safe over the next few days,” the Premier said.

More than 300 clinics across the state, both private and public, will be working on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with older and vulnerable people who may not be able to stand for long periods are being prioritised and are encouraged to bring themselves to the attention of staff.

The Premier stressed it was critical that people who are in isolation do not have any visitors and not be tempted to break isolation early, even if their initial test was negative.

“Even if they’ve tested negative on day two, they can test positive on day ten,” said the Premier.

Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, said they are concerned about people who may have been infectious and went to work in the Sydney central business district (CBD), with more venues being added to the investigation list.

Dr Chant said many older and vulnerable people were worried about being able to stand in long lines for testing and encouraged them to bring themselves to the attention of staff, so that they can be fast tracked and called for the understanding of younger more able people for older people being prioritised.

Key points highlighted by Dr Chant include:

• There were nine new cases identified, seven associated with the Avalon cluster and another six are being investigated;
• Two patient transfer workers have since been linked to the Avalon cluster and both reside in the northern beaches;
• A male in his 40’s who works in the Sydney CBD is infected and is the third officer worker from the Hutner, Bligh Street area to test positive to the virus. 
• New venues added to the investigation list including the Sports Bar at the Paragon Hotel in Circular Quay Sydney which now has three associated cases.