NSW latest Covid-19 update as at 16 March

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Two new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,053.

There were 6,257 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 8,199.

Investigations are still underway to determine the source of infection in the case announced on Sunday. As reported yesterday, genomic sequencing results show a match to the viral strain of a COVID-positive returned traveller who was in the Sofitel Wentworth quarantine hotel while infectious.

The genome sequencing results indicate the strain found in the hotel quarantine guest and security guard is the more transmissible B1.1.7 variant of the virus (also known as the UK variant).

Testing continues on close contacts of the case, who remains asymptomatic. The case's household contacts have all tested negative and will continue to self-isolate for 14 days.

Anyone who visited any of the following additional venues at the listed times should monitor for symptoms, and if they appear, immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received. If symptoms reappear, they should be tested again:

NSW Health has revised the exposure times for Coles at Hurstville Station on 10 March. The advice remains the same. Anyone who visited the store at the below times should monitor for symptoms, and if they appear, immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received. If symptoms reappear, they should be tested again:

A full list of the exposure venues associated with this case can be viewed on the NSW Government website.

The emergence of this new case underscores the need for continued community vigilance for any signs and symptoms that could be COVID-19. It is critical that everyone continues to practise COVID-safe behaviours and that people come forward for testing if they have even the mildest of cold-like symptoms.

NSW Health is treating 49 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (90 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

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 clinics or contact your GP.

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 14 March 2021 to 8pm 15 March 2021

** from 9 March 2021 to 8pm 15 March 2021

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

* Testing previously carried out on day 10 is now carried out on day 12.