NSW has recorded nine new cases of locally-acquired COVID-19, eight of whom are linked to Sydney's Avalon cluster.
The one remaining locally-acquired case is currently still under investigation.
Despite yesterday being Christmas Day, nearly 40,000 came forward to be tested for coronavirus.
READ MORE: Child tests positive to COVID-19, daily local cases rise to eight
The total number of cases linked to the Avalon cluster is now 116.
There are also an additional six cases of COVID-19 in returned travellers, all of whom are currently in hotel quarantine.
"Eight of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster," NSW Health said in a statement.
"Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 116.
"The source of the other locally acquired case remains under investigation."
READ MORE: Police break up Sydney beach party amid virus fears
NSW's Health Minister Brad Hazzard has slammed partygoers who attended a beachfront party at Bronte yesterday, describing it as a possible "super spreader event".
"It is absolutely appalling to see what was clearly a group of people, a large gathering of people who didn't give a damn about the rest of Sydney," Mr Hazzard said.
"Let me tell you, that event, I am hoping, will not become a super spreader event. But has every chance that it could be.
"Obviously in the earlier stages of the step in academic we had some challenges with backpackers with backpackers who clearly wanted to party in the eastern suburbs. It cannot go on."
READ MORE: NSW Premier warns shoppers to avoid physical Boxing Day sales
Mr Hazzard confirmed that current household restrictions – eased slightly for December 24, 25 and 26 - will resort back to normal from 12:01am tomorrow morning.
Under the "normal" restrictions - similar to those experienced on December 23 - the number of visitors in a household will be reduced.
"We are reverting back to what we experienced on December 23, so, provisions still exist, however the one exception is in the northern part of the Northern Beaches you can have an outside gathering of five and in the southern part you can have an outside gathering of ten," Ms Berejiklian said.
"But I want to stress again, this means no movement to people inside the Northern Beaches.
"If you are in greater Sydney, do not go to the Northern Beaches."
NEW RESTRICTIONS FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (DEC 26):
These restrictions exist until 11:59pm December 30:
For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha'i Temple):
- Given the ongoing risk, this area will return to 'stay-at-home' restrictions, with no indoor gatherings allowed.
- Up to five people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.
- People may not enter or leave this zone.
For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches:
- Given the ongoing risk, this area will return to 'stay-at-home' restrictions, with no indoor gatherings allowed.
- Up to 10 people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.
- People may not enter or leave this zone.
Residents of the Northern Beaches are able to leave for four permitted reasons:
- Shopping for food or other goods and services
- Travel for work or education purposes if unable to work from home
- Exercise
- Medical or caring reasons
You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.
Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348
For coronavirus breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.
from 9News https://ift.tt/3rqOvn7
via IFTTT
0 Comments