Coronavirus NSW: Highest virus spike in three months
NSW has recorded another 20 cases of coronavirus in the state’s largest increase in cases since April.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Monday “every single one” of the day’s reported cases “are from a known source”.
“Which means people are taking advice and they need to continue to do that,” the premier said.
"Whilst I remain incredibly concerned, that remains one positive to take out of it.”
Monday’s 20 cases are the highest reported in a single say since April 19 when 21 new cases were recorded.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said three people were contacts of people who had been at the Crossroads Hotel in Casula.
The Crossroads Hotel cluster is now at 48.
The remaining 17 involves eight who were connected to Thai Rock Restaurant in Stockland Mall Wetherill Park, four to the Soldiers Club at Batemans Bay, four returned overseas travellers and a person who was infected in Victoria.
NSW at a ‘critical point’
Ms Berejiklian said the government doesn’t plan on tightening restrictions in the way Victoria has at this stage.
The premier’s Victorian counterpart Daniel Andrews told reporters on Monday, Victoria has 275 cases of coronavirus with the death toll at 38.
Stage three restrictions are currently in place throughout Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
"Our state continues to be on extremely high alert," Ms Berejiklian said.
"But we also our state continues to be at a critical point — we have the opportunity to isolate the cases that we have to clamp down and to make sure we reduce the incidence of the virus spreading.
"Unfortunately, other places don't have that opportunity."
Man in his 30s in ICU
Dr Chant said there are 96 people being treated for coronavirus with two patients in intensive care including a person in their 30s.
"It's important to highlight that because often we tend to say it affects the elderly but there will still be young people that are impacted," she said.
To wear or not wear face masks
From 11.59pm on Wednesday, people living in Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire in Victoria will be required to wear face masks in public or be slapped with a $200 fine.
Dr Chant said NSW Health is “consistent” with national advice and people should wear masks when they can’t socially distance or be 1.5m apart from someone in public.
“The role of face masks is we know that people are asymptomatic,” she said.
“Before they get symptoms they are infectious for approximately 48 hours.
“So individuals may be actual you infectious and out and about and the idea of the face masks is that if people are occasionally coughing or sneezing, then they could be infecting others and the face mask provides a shield.”
However, she said NSW Health don’t want to see face masks “as a silver bullet” and outlined “four lines of defence” against the virus.
“We need, first of all, done go out and about when you are sick,” Dr Chant said.
“Stay at home and isolate and get tested.
“The second is very much around social distancing and adhering to social distancing.
“Also making decisions about how you move about, so that you can maintain that social distancing.”
She added “face marks are complimentary”.
“They are an adjunct and an important one, particularly in circumstances where you can't social distance or if you are unwell and are seeking healthcare,” she said.
More to come.
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