Berala cluster grows as NSW records four new local COVID-19 cases
NSW has reported four local coronavirus cases during the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday.
Two of the cases were the man and woman in their 40s who shopped at Berala, as reported on Monday. The woman shopped at Woolworths Berala, and not BWS, the venue at the centre of the cluster which now numbers 17.
Acting NSW Premier John Barilaro addresses the media.Credit:Brook Mitchell
An additional case linked to Berala - a household contact - was also recorded during the period, as well as a case linked to the Croydon cluster. The Croydon case was in isolation for their entire infectious period, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said, so "posed no risk to the community".
A man who tested positive after the reporting period was flagged by Acting Premier John Barilaro on Tuesday as he travelled to a number of regional areas while infectious.
The man, whose infection is associated with the Berala cluster, travelled to Orange, Nyngan and then Broken Hill, Mr Barilaro said. Dr Chant thanked the 18-year-old, who was tested in regional NSW after he was identified as a close contact of the Berala cluster . The teenager, whose infection will be included in Wednesday's numbers, attended the Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment at Orange while infectious on Sunday between 12.30pm and 2pm as well as the Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park on Saturday and Sunday. People who were at these locations should present for testing and self-isolate.
The state recorded a slight increase in testing during the 24 hour reporting period, with 26,391 tests completed.
It comes after NSW on Monday reported its first 24-hour period without local cases since December 16, the day before two close contacts from the Avalon area and a patient transport worker who dealt with returned overseas travellers tested positive.
Mr Barilaro says decisions about the Sydney cricket Test, which begins on Thursday, could be made "right up until the first ball is bowled".
On Monday it was announced the event, to be held at the SCG from Thursday, would be re-ticketed to allow for a reduced capacity, with only 25 per cent of the stadium to be filled.
There will be enough public transport to the venue as if it was 50 per cent full, Mr Barilaro said, to allow for social distancing.
Residents of Auburn, Berala, Lidcombe, Potts Hill, Regents Park or Rookwood are not permitted to attend the Test and will be fined $1000 if they attempt to do so, Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
The Acting Premier urged people from regional NSW to rethink their attendance at the Test, as well as travel to Sydney. "If you can change your plans I urge you to do so because it could be a simple infection that then goes back to the regions and could cause us much more concern," Mr Barilaro said.
Police said residents of Sydney and surrounds were largely compliant with new restrictions regarding the wearing of masks in indoor areas introduced from Sunday.
Only "a couple" of fines handed out for failing to wear a mask on Monday, they said, the details of which will be provided later on Tuesday.
People from greater Sydney travelling to Canberra face fines of up to $8000 if they do not comply with the territory's public health direction to stay away without an exemption, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr warned on Tuesday.
There were three cases new local cases reported in Victoria on Tuesday, as the state flagged its hard border closure with NSW would likely remain in place until the end of the month despite struggles emerging with its hotel quarantine capacity.
Victorian health authorities have told some returned travellers from NSW currently in hotels they may be able to quarantine at home, with cases to be reviewed the order they arrived from NSW.
Residents of Sydney and surrounds currently face some form of border restriction when travelling to every other state and territory after the area started recording fresh local coronavirus cases in mid-December.
Speaking on Melbourne radio station 3AW on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he hoped border restrictions against Victoria and NSW would be able to be eased in light of lower case numbers in each state.
“They are getting on top of this. The systems are working. We are making great progress in both. That should hopefully mean we can restore settings to where they were as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister said.
with Liam Mannix and Natassia Chrysanthos
Mary Ward is a health reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.