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Crucial Covid detail missing amid fears of more cases

NSW should prepare for more locally acquired Covid-19 cases after the state's first known community infection in almost a month, Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned.

A man in his 50s in Sydney's eastern suburbs tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, leaving health authorities scrambling to determine how he contracted the virus.

He has not recently travelled overseas or interstate, does not work in a hotel quarantine or in a border or a health role, leaving NSW Health concerned and puzzled over his infection.

"We have to assume there's other cases," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

"Everybody in the state needs to be on high alert. Anybody anywhere with the mildest of symptoms needs to come forward and get tested."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned the state it should expect further cases in the community. Source: AAP
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned the state it should expect further cases in the community. Source: AAP

NSW Health contract tracers are working to identify any contacts and genome sequencing is underway, with results expected on Thursday.

The man has a number of close contacts who are being tested and are isolating, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says.

Ms Berejiklian did not implement any new restrictions, telling reporters at this stage it was too early to do so.

Number of exposure sites grows

The man also visited a number of venues while potentially infectious, she said, but had been meticulous about checking in using QR codes.

Sydney, which has largely avoided local infections in recent months, is back on high alert. Source: AAP
Sydney, which has largely avoided local infections in recent months, is back on high alert. Source: AAP

A list of venues of concern has been compiled, which includes a number of barbecue stores in Silverwater, Annandale and Casula, a meat store in Bondi Junction and a petrol station in Mascot.

The man also attended a screening of The Courier at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction on Friday before attending Figo Restaurant at Rushcutters Bay.

Later on Wednesday, new venues were listed including District Brasserie restaurant in the Sydney CBD, Barbetta restaurant in Paddington, Azure Cafe in Moore Park, HineSight Optometrist inside the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, The Royal Sydney Golf Club at Rose Bay plus the Chemist Warehouse and Woolworths in Double Bay.

People who have attended those venues at various times between April 30 and May 4 should get tested and self-isolate until they receive further advice.

With AAP

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