Aussie state hits crucial Covid milestone
New South Wales has recorded another day without a locally-acquired case of Covid-19 and a full two weeks with no known community transmission.
The crucial milestone comes as the entire country recorded its twelfth consecutive day of zero new cases in the community.
Three cases were recorded in NSW hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday.
Some 8,811 people were tested in the reporting period, causing health authorities to again urge more people to come forward.
More than 10,500 people were tested the previous day.
Fragments of the virus were found in the sewage network at Warriewood, Liverpool and Malabar overnight.
NSW Health says the detections may reflect known recent confirmed cases in these areas, but people living or working there should be on high alert.
The health department urged people not to drop their guard as restrictions on gatherings ease.
Sydneysiders are now allowed to have 30 visitors in their homes, while 50 people can attend outdoor gatherings including in backyards.
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Since Friday, 300 guests are allowed at weddings and funerals, while caps have been removed on corporate events, religious gatherings and hospitality venues. However, the "four square metre" rule still applies.
Masks are also no longer compulsory in shops, but people are still obliged to wear them on public transport, at religious gatherings, in gaming rooms, at hairdressers and beauticians and in public-facing hospitality jobs.
While NSW has now seen 14 days without a known locally acquired case of COVID-19, the virus may still be circulating in the community among people with mild or no symptoms. We have previously seen successive days of no local cases, only to see cases re-emerge.
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) January 31, 2021
Tasmania and South Australia on Sunday relaxed their restrictions on travel from NSW.
All NSW residents will soon be able to travel to Queensland, with the border fully reopening from Monday.
Elsewhere, border restrictions imposed by the ACT and Victoria on Greater Sydney have relaxed.
Arrivals in Western Australia from NSW must still self-isolate for 14 days.
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