Public Health Alert – Positive COVID sewage detection in Merrylands and surrounds, 24 new local cases – Thursday, 1 July 2021

NSW recorded 24 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, of which 17 are linked to previously confirmed cases.

Four new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,665.

There have been 195 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported. Of these, 175 are now linked to the Bondi cluster.

There were 59,941 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 68,220.

NSW Health administered 20,716 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, including 7,592 at the vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park.  

The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 2,231,996, with 851,400 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 1,380,596 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11.59pm on Tuesday 29 June.

Case details

Of today’s 24 new locally acquired cases, nine were in isolation throughout their infectious periods. A further three cases were in isolation for part of their infectious periods. Twelve cases were infectious in the community.

One of today’s new cases is that of a healthcare worker, announced to the media yesterday, who worked at Fairfield Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital while infectious from the 24 June to 28 June. A household contact of this nurse is also included today as a case.

More than 200 staff and patients have been identified as close contacts to date, with investigations and contact tracing ongoing.

There were no new cases linked to the Great Ocean Foods seafood wholesaler in Marrickville. The total number of cases linked to this location remains at 19.

Two new cases are linked to the West Hoxton birthday party. This brings the total number of cases acquired through the birthday party to 41, including 27 people who acquired their infection at the party and 14 subsequent contacts.

One new case was linked to Crossways Hotel. This brings the total number of cases linked to the hotel to eight, including six people who acquired it at the venue and two subsequent contacts.

No new cases were linked to Christo’s Pizzeria in Paddington. The total number of cases linked to this venue remains at four.

One new case was linked to Joh Bailey Double Bay. The total number of cases linked to Joh Bailey is now 13, including nine people who acquired their infection at the venue and four subsequent contacts.

One new case was linked to Lyfe Café Bondi Beach. The total is now 25, seven of whom acquired their infection at the café and 18 of whom were subsequent contacts.

Wider venues of concern and sewage detections

A full list of venues of concern in western Sydney can be found here.

NSW Health is also now advising anyone who visited the Pacific Square, 737 Anzac Parade at Maroubra, at any time between 23 June to 27 June to get tested immediately and isolate if they have even the mildest of symptoms.

In addition, anyone who attended Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Rd at Eastgardens, between midday and 2.30 pm on Friday 25 June to get tested immediately and isolate if they have even the mildest of symptoms.

Please continue to monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate and get tested if they develop. NSW Health strongly encourages testing for people who have been to the centres.

NSW Health urges people everywhere to continue to get tested if they are suffering even the mildest of symptoms and have already undergone a COVID-19 test.

To keep our community safe, follow NSW Health advice. If you are directed to get tested for COVID‑19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.

Please check the NSW Government website regularly and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern or travelled on a route of concern.

In the past 24 hours, NSW Health’s ongoing sewage surveillance program has detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the sewerage networks at Croydon, Glenfield, Liverpool, Fairfield, and Penrith.

The Fairfield sewage pumping station serves about 68,000 people in suburbs including Canley Vale, Fairfield Heights, Carramar, Woodpark, Guildford West, Smithfield, Merrylands West, Yennora, Fairfield, Wetherill Park, Fairfield West, Prairiewood, Bossley Park, Bass Hill, Chester Hill, Old Guildford, Guildford, Greystanes, Fairfield East, Villawood, Prospect, Lansdowne, Pemulwuy, Cecil Hills, Kemps Creek, Cecil Park, Mount Vernon, Horsley Park and Abbotsbury.

NSW Health is aware of recently confirmed cases of COVID-19 who are isolating in all of these catchments. Everyone living or working in and around these areas is asked to be especially vigilant for any symptoms that could signal COVID. If they appear, please get tested and self-isolate immediately until a negative result is received.

Get tested

We have extended hours and opened more clinics across western Sydney including in Auburn, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, West Pennant Hills, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Merrylands, Seven Hills and Parramatta to support the community to get tested.

Opening hours, locations and details are available on the NSW Government website or by contacting your GP.

A new COVID-19 Walk-through Testing Clinic has been established at Auburn Central Town Square.

Testing is FREE and no booking or GP referral is required.

There are over 30 testing clinics in western Sydney and more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.

To find your nearest clinic visit here or contact your GP.

To book your COVID-19 vaccination, go to www.nsw.gov.au or visit the Australian Government’s Vaccine Eligibility Checker online.