NSW latest coronavirus data as at 17 December

NSW recorded three locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Two additional new locally acquired cases were notified this morning in the Northern Beaches area in a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s.

The source of these two new infections, which will be included in tomorrow's case numbers, is under investigation and further updates will be provided throughout the day as information becomes available.

NSW Health is now investigating five locally acquired cases. Four are in the Northern Beaches, and one case is a resident of south Sydney.

Six cases were also reported in returned travellers in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,477 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 10,583 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 11,922 in the previous 24 hours.

One of the locally acquired cases, first reported yesterday morning, is a man in his 40s from the south Sydney area. He is a bus driver who transports aircrew to and from their hotels.

All contacts tested to date as part of the investigation into this case, including household contacts and work colleagues, have tested negative.

This man attended a sporting event while infectious. Anyone at the event at the times indicated is considered a casual contact. However, as a precaution we are advising any adults who were present to get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again. Children who were present should be monitored for symptoms and get tested if any symptoms occur.

• Forest Rangers FC, Little Rangers session at Gannons Park, Pindari Rd and Isaac Street, Peakhurst - Friday, 11 December, 4.30pm-5.30pm

Two locally acquired cases, first reported last night, are a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s from the northern area of the Northern Beaches. They are close contacts of each other. At this stage, no links have been established between these two cases and previously reported cases.

Both of these cases visited a number of venues in the northern area of the Northern beaches while infectious. For a list of current venues of concern, please visit latest news and updates.

Urgent investigation and contact tracing is ongoing into all locally acquired cases. Urgent whole genome sequencing results for the south west Sydney case and the first two cases from the Northern Beaches are being done.

NSW Health has already seen an excellent response from the Northern Beaches community for testing but it is absolutely vital that everyone comes forward for testing isolates immediately if they have even the slightest of symptoms.

A new pop up clinic has been rapidly established at Avalon and will open for high volume testing at midday. NSW Health has also increased staffing and extended hours at other Northern Beaches testing locations, including Mona Vale.

The new Avalon pop-up is located at the Avalon Recreation Centre, 59 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon, and will open from midday today. Its operating hours will be from 8am-10pm every day. Other Northern Beaches testing centres are located at:

• Mona Vale Hospital, Gate 3 Coronation Street, Mona Vale - walk-in clinic - open 8am-10pm seven days a week
• Brookvale Community Health Centre, 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale - open 8am-10pm 7 days
• Northern Beaches Hospital, 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest, (Rear of Emergency Department) - open 8am- 5pm 7 days
• Manly Histopath Drive through, Old Manly Hospital, 150 Darley Road, Manly,- open - 9am-4pm Monday to Friday

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.

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.

Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date