NSW latest Covid-19 update as at 2 April

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases and no new overseas-acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, keeping the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic at 5,107.

There were 20,061 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 20,459. NSW Health thanks the community, particularly those in northern NSW, for coming forward in large numbers for testing, as this is critical to detect and stop transmission of the virus.

NSW Health will now report the daily number of COVID-19 vaccines administered to 8pm the previous night. There were 6,956 COVID-19 vaccines administered by NSW Health in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The total number of vaccines administered by NSW Health is now 124,345.

NSW Health has been notified of updated advice and/or revised exposure times for several previously announced venues in the Byron Bay region which were visited by confirmed cases of COVID 19.

NSW Health is contacting known patrons directly to advise that anyone who attended the bar at the following venue at the time listed is considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

Any other patrons who attended the hotel/motel during this time are considered casual contacts and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result:

Anyone who attended the following venue(s) at the times listed is now considered a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and, if any occur, get tested again:

Anyone who is planning to visit NSW from Queensland or who has been in Queensland in the last two weeks should check the Queensland Health website regularly, especially before any travel, and follow the public health advice if they were at any of the listed venues. People who are required to test and isolate should do so immediately.

A complete list of venues of concern and associated health advice, including links to the Queensland Health website, is available at https://nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. Please check this page regularly, as advice is updated as further information becomes available.

Fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 were detected in the sewage network at Homebush in a sample taken on 31 March.

NSW Health is not aware of any current positive cases in this area, but the catchment does include a quarantine facility. Cases were identified in this facility up until mid-March.

While it is most likely that this positive detection may be due to an old case shedding virus fragments, it does emphasise the need for everyone in the area to remain vigilant and get tested if any symptoms appear that could signal COVID-19.

There has also been a detection of virus fragments in a treatment plant at Lennox Head, near Byron Bay. This is due to the presence of a known positive case in the area.

NSW Health has significantly increased sewage surveillance in the Northern Rivers area. Other catchments, including Byron Bay, Tweed, Lismore and Ballina, have tested negative in recent days.

NSW Health is continuing to adopt a cautious approach to minimise the risk of further transmission in the area and temporary restrictions remain in place in the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council until 11.59pm on Monday 5 April:

• masks must be worn on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings
• the one person per 4 square metre rule applies at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues
• the number of household visitors is capped at 30, including at holiday rental properties.

Anyone throughout the state who has even the mildest of cold-like symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.

There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week, including over the long weekend. To find your nearest clinic, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics, or contact your GP.

NSW Health is treating 42 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in ICU. Most cases (95 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 31 March 2021 to 8pm 1 April 2021

**from 26 March 2021 to 8pm 1 April 2021

Returned travellers in hotel quarantine to date

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

COVID-19 vaccination update