Premier Warns of Unknown Threat

THE NSW Premier has warned the numbers of people in the community who may have the virus and have not been tested represents an “unknown threat” in community transmission. 

Due to clusters of outbreaks for backpackers in Bondi showing community transmission, more testing will be done in these areas. 

The Premier also said while the number of cases identified each day had decreased, she cautioned the most important trend was the overall number of cases and the most concerning is the number of cases through community transmission.

There are now 2,032 confirmed cases of covid-19 in New South Wales.

Another 114 new cases have been identified in the last 24 hours, 164 people have required hospitalisation, 35 people are in intensive care, 16 required ventilators and 8 people have died.

Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Medical Officer has called for increased testing for community transmission to identify as many cases in the community.

Commissioner Mick Fuller said 2,096 Australians returning from overseas had been quarantined in hotels, 80 have presented with symptoms and today it is anticipated another 600 Australians will return on 12 planes, which is a 50 percent decrease on expected arrivals.

The Commissioner said police had done thousands of checks on people in self-isolation and 13 tickets had been issued for non-compliance.

He also confirmed five police had tested to the virus, all of which had been contracted during overseas travel.

In response to questions about if people can go to their holiday home the Commissioner said, “You’re in a lock down where ever you live”.

The Premier also qualified that in New South Wales you could have visitors of two people inside, or two people outside, but even this should be limited unless absolutely necessary.

The Commissioner also flagged fines may increase to $5,000 if people continue to breach the current laws.