NSW 'at a critical point' as coronavirus testing rates remain low

Two new local cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in NSW, with low testing rates remaining a problem as the state hovers at "a critical point" in the pandemic.

Face shields are seen at a coronavirus testing facility at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Thursday, 15 October, 2020. Source: AAP

 

NSW has reported two new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 but despite calls for more testing rates remain way below the 20,000 daily benchmark health authorities say is required to contain the spread of the virus.

NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Jeremy McAnulty said just 7401 people got tested in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday night, slightly more than the 6592 who were tested on Sunday.

"NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find undiagnosed cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing," Dr McAnulty said on Tuesday.

He urged anyone with cold symptoms to assume it is COVID-19 until proven otherwise.

"Get tested on the day you get those symptoms - don't wait until they go away," he said.

There were also three COVID-19 cases diagnosed in returned travellers who remain in hotel quarantine.

Dr McAnulty said the two new locally acquired cases were both linked to known cases and clusters.

One was a household contact of a previously confirmed case linked to the Liverpool private clinic cluster, which now has a total of 12 cases.

The other locally acquired case was a close contact of a case linked to someone who attended the Great Beginnings childcare centre at Oran Park.

Dr McAnulty thanked the Oran Park community for its "brilliant" response to calls for increased testing, with its weekly rate increasing fourfold from August to 895 last week.

He reiterated the need for more testing in the southwest Sydney hotspot, urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward.

He also warned people in Sydney's southeast to be on high alert after an infectious person visited the Kingsford and Ramsgate areas in the first two weeks of October, including several cafes.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.