Pittwater Online News

1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.

Local Testing Clinics: Updated December 30, 2020

1. Avalon Laverty Pathology drive-through clinic; Avalon Parade, Avalon Bowling Club Car Park. Appointments are not required. Closes 4:00PM
2. Newport Community Centre Pop-up Clinic; 11-13 The Boulevard, Newport Community Centre, Newport. Appointments are not required. Closes 4:00PM
3. Mona Vale 4Cyte Pathology; 61 Darley Street, Mona Vale. Appointments are not required. Closes 8:00PM.
4. Mona Vale Hospital: Closes 10pm
5. Warriewood Histopath Pathology drive-through clinic; 1472 Pittwater Road, Rat Park, Warriewood. Appointments are not required. Closes 5:00PM.
6. North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology Drive-through Clinic; 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. Appointments are not required. Closes 6:00PM.

• Appointments are not required
  
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle

• Appointments are not required
  
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle
• GP referral is not required

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

• Appointments are not required
  
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheelchair accessible

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

• Appointments are not required
• Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle
• GP referral is required

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

• Approximately 16.5km away
• Appointments are required
• Hours: 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday
• (02) 8416 5005

• Children under 5 years are not tested at this clinic. 
• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

• Clinic at rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry).
• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 5pm 7 days a week

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 8pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle
• GP referral is not required

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle

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Wednesday December 30, 2020 11am Update: Avalon Cluster rises to 138 Cases

NSW recorded 18 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional seven cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW to 4,717 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Nine of today’s locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. They had all been previously identified as contacts of known cases. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 138.

There were 17,267 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 16,329. 

Of the 25 new cases to 8pm last night: 

• Nine locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Eight of these cases were isolating for their full infectious period.
• Six locally acquired cases, three adults and three children, all members of the same extended family, are linked to a cluster in Sydney’s Inner West whose source is still under investigation. One of these cases was first reported yesterday morning.
• Three further locally acquired cases are under investigation. Two cases, members of the same household, are from the Wollongong area and one is from northern Sydney. One of the cases from Wollongong and the northern Sydney case were first reported yesterday morning.
• Seven cases were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

Further genome sequencing of the virus of a patient transport worker reported on 22 December shows it is identical to the virus strain from a family of three who had been transported from the airport to hotel quarantine under this worker’s care.

The sequence is also identical to that of another patient transport worker, who did not have contact with the family of three but who was a close contact with the first worker. The virus sequence for these two workers is different to that seen in the Avalon cluster.

With two locally acquired cases now linked to the Wollongong area, it is important for people who spent time in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region over the past two weeks to be alert for symptoms, and isolate immediately and get tested should any symptoms develop, no matter how mild. 

• Anyone who attended the St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church from 9am to 10.15am and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church from 10.30am to 11am on Sunday 27 December in Wollongong must get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive further advice from NSW Health.

A new pop-up drive-through testing clinic opened at the Figtree Community Hall this morning, at 11 Princes Highway, Figtree. It will be open from 8am to 8pm every day until further notice. 

A full list of venues and public transport routes of concern throughout NSW, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.  

Additional enhanced measures now in place to help contain spread, include: 

• All close contacts of a case should have a COVID-19 test when they are first identified as a close contact, regardless of symptoms, again if they get any symptoms, and again just before the end of their 14-day isolation period (at day 12). 
• Household contacts of people identified as close contacts of a case should isolate until the close contact receives a negative test and is effectively isolating from the rest of the household.  

The advice for aged care facilities has been updated. All residential aged care facilities in the Greater Sydney area (including Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong) must exclude visitors, except those performing essential caring functions, until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday 6 January 2021.

For the same period, no visitors from Greater Sydney are permitted to visit residents in regional residential aged care facilities. There are no restrictions on people from regional NSW visiting residents in regional facilities.

The state’s ongoing sewage surveillance program has detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID 19 at the sewage plant that services the wider Liverpool area. NSW Health is aware of recent cases in this area, but is concerned that there may be undetected cases. Everyone in the south-west Sydney area is asked to be alert for symptoms and to get tested immediately if they appear. 

We must all keep up our guard against COVID-19 throughout the holiday period by limiting social interactions wherever possible and following recommended infection control practices, including physical distancing and hand hygiene. Don’t risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the slightest symptoms, stay at home and don’t go to the event.

Testing clinics are open throughout the holiday break, including New Year’s Day. There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/.../how-to-protect.../clinics or contact your GP.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT NEW VENUES

December 29, 2020: 6pm

NSW Health has been notified of a number of venues in Wollongong, Figtree and Mona Vale, that have been visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times must get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive further advice from NSW Health:

• Wollongong - St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 39 Atchison St Sunday 27 December 9am-10.15am
• Wollongong - The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 18 Stewart St Sunday 27 December 10.30am-11am

Anyone who visited any of the following venues at the listed times is considered a casual contact who must get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Figtree - Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, 19 Princes Hwy Monday 21 December 12.30pm-1.30pm, Wednesday 23 December 8.45am-9am
• Figtree - Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, 19 Princes Hwy, Thursday 24 December 6.45am-9.30am
• Figtree - Proust Optical, Shop 49, Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, 19 Princes Hwy Monday 21 December 9.30am-5pm Wednesday 23 December 9.30am-2pm Close contacts from this venue will be contacted by NSW Health
• Mona Vale - Pittwater Place 10 Park St, All day on all the following dates: Sunday 13 December Monday 14 December Tuesday 15 December Wednesday 16 December Thursday 17 December Friday 18 December Saturday 19 December

Testing clinics are available in and around Wollongong at the following locations:

• Wollongong Hospital, Lawson House, Loftus Street, Wollongong – open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-4.30pm  
• Wollongong 4Cyte Pathology drive-through, 406 Crown St, Wollongong – open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 11am-2pm, Sunday 10am-1pm
• Wollongong Laverty Pathology drive-through, 138-142 Kembla St, Wollongong – open Monday to Friday 8am-4pm
• Balgownie Laverty Pathology, Shop 5, 145 Balgownie Rd, Balgownie – open Monday to Friday 12.30pm-4pm

NSW Health urges anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics: Avalon Cluster now numbers 129 Cases

Tuesday December 29, 2020: 11am Update

NSW recorded three locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional six cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

All three of today's locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. They had all been identified as contacts of known cases and were in isolation when they tested positive. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 129.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW to 4,692 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 16,329 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 15,364.

NSW Health is treating 122 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (97 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated at this mornings 11am Update that the government was looking into ways it may support Pittwater businesses, along with all those to Manly, that have been ordered to close under current Health Orders.

NSW Health thanks the community for their response to the call for testing. Every person who is tested plays an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID‑19. Testing numbers have fallen in the post-Christmas period, and it is vital that everyone in NSW continues to come forward for testing immediately if they have even the mildest of symptoms.

NSW Health also thanks all those people currently isolating. It is critical that if you are a close contact of a case, that you complete your full period of isolation, even if you have received a negative test result. A number of cases in recent days have tested positive in the final days of their period of isolation. Please make sure you complete your full period of isolation, and have a final negative test result before you leave isolation, as this will ensure you will not pass the virus to family, friends and members of your community unknowingly.

We must all keep up our guard against COVID-19 throughout the holiday period by limiting social interactions wherever possible and following recommended infection control practices, including physical distancing and hand hygiene. Don't risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the slightest symptoms, stay at home and don't go to the event.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited a growing list of locations across Sydney, and new places are added every day. A full list of venues and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at Latest news and updates.

​With a number of cases recently linked to Sydney's CBD, it is important for people who spent time in the north-eastern part of the city over the last two weeks – including the Australia Square, MLC Centre and Chifley Square – to be alert for symptoms, and isolate immediately and get tested should any symptoms develop, no matter how mild.

Testing clinics are open throughout the holiday break, including New Year's Day. There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.

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COVID-19 – Northern Beaches flags up and playgrounds open

Sunday 27 December, 2020: from Council

In line with the latest direction from the NSW Health Minister, from today active beach patrols will resume and the red and yellow flags will be raised at all beaches.

The revised Public Health Order also permits the re-opening of playgrounds and rock pools from today.

This will mean that beaches can be used for swimming and exercise, while people still maintain gathering restrictions and physical distancing.

In the northern zone of the Northern Beaches, only five people from this zone may gather for exercise or recreation. 

For the southern zone of the Northern Beaches, limits of ten people from this zone apply. 

No one from outside the Northern Beaches is permitted within the area, unless you have a reasonable excuse. This does not include exercise or recreation. 

Physical distancing of 1.5 metres, or one towel length, will still apply for non-household members. 

Other temporary closures and changes to Council’s services and facilities will continue to apply. 

Facilities and services which will be temporarily closed until further notice:

• Customer service centres (online and phone available Christmas trading hours) 
• Skate parks 
• Community sporting activities in parks and reserves 
• Outdoor gyms 
• Manly and Warringah aquatic centres
• All community centres 
• All libraries 
• Manly Art Gallery and Museum
• Creative Space in North Curl Curl
• Manly Visitor Information Centre
• Kimbriki Buy Back Centre and the Eco House & Garden
• Environmental centres and programs
• The Aboriginal Heritage Office in Freshwater
• Golf and tennis courts

For regular updates visit www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

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NSW Beach Use

December 27, 2020: NSW Health

​Councils all along the NSW coast, including Greater Sydney and Northern Beaches, should be aware that there are no Health Orders stopping beaches being open for swimming, exercise or recreation.

Surf lifesaving availability is for Councils to determine but it is considered usual arrangements should apply. 

In the northern area of the Northern Beaches only 5 people from this zone may gather for exercise or recreation.  

In the Southern zone of Northern Beaches, limits of ten people from this zone apply. Physical distancing of 1.5 m should be encouraged for non-household members. Limits apply in other areas and are on health web page. 

For people outside the Northern Beaches, you should not enter the Northern Beaches unless you have a reasonable excuse. A reasonable excuse does not include exercise or recreation.

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Police fine a dozen Warringah residents for going to pyrmont wedding

Sunday December 27, 2020

Police have fined a dozen residents of Sydney's locked down Northern Beaches who left to go to a wedding in the city. The guests have received $1000 fines after being sprung at the reception that allegedly breached coronavirus restrictions. A tip-off alerted NSW Police to a crowd at a venue on Pirrama Road in Pyrmont, near the CBD, at 5pm on Sunday.

Police Minister, David Elliot, called their actions "a bastard act" and said he had no sympathy.

"This is the sort of behaviour that puts us back into fuller lockdown."

The people fined are:

- A man and woman, both aged 43, from Allambie Heights

- A 33-year-old woman from Narraweena

- Men aged 34 and 27, and a 36-year-old woman, from Frenchs Forest

- Three women – aged 19, 22 and 28 – and three men – aged 23, 26, and 63 – from Beacon Hill.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT NEW VENUES AND UPDATED TRANSPORT ROUTES

December 26, 2020: 9PM

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated transport routes attended by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is considered a close contact, and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether a negative result is received: 

• North Sydney - Cibo Café, 71 Walker Street, North Sydney: Wednesday 16 December, 12pm – 12.45pm.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Belrose - Anytime Fitness Belrose, Glenrose Shopping Centre, T24/56-58 Glen Street amd, Glenrose Pl, Belrose: Sunday 6 December 9.30am – 11.30am & Monday 7 December, 9.30am – 11.30am.
• Balmain - P’nut Street Noodles Thai Restaurant, 415 Darling Street, Balmain: Wednesday 16 December, 6.pm – 6.15pm.
• Belrose - Belrose Hotel, 5 Hews Parade, Belrose: Friday 11 December, 12pm – 6pm. Anyone who attended this venue during December should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested if they appear. 
• Rozelle - Sir Reuben, 702 Darling Street, Rozelle: Sunday 20 December, 11am – 11.30am.
• Drummoyne - Zeus Street Greek, 187-189 Lyons Street, Drummoyne: Tuesday 22 December, 6pm – 6.15pm.
• Balmain - Balmain Post Office, 366b Darling St, Balmain: Tuesday 22 December, 3.30pm – 4pm.

Anyone who attended the following venue at the following times should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested and isolate if they appear. If further symptoms appear, isolate and get tested again:

• Avalon Beach - Australian Red Cross Op Shop, Avalon Beach, 5/48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach: Tuesday 15 December, 1pm – 2pm.
• Centennial Park - Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Off Grand Drive: Tuesday 22 December, 10am – 11.15am.

Please note that the health advice or times have changed for the following transport routes.

Passengers who travelled on this bus for at least 30 minutes must get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.

People who travelled on this bus for less than 30 minutes should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again:

Date: Thursday 17 December 
Entry time:11.30am - Exit time: 12.36pm 
Start location: Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoy Road 
End location: Stand M, Wynyard Station, York Street 
Bus Route: B1-1

Date: Thursday 17 December 
Entry time: 4.15pm - Exit time: 5.15pm 
Start location: Stand B, Wynyard Station, Carrington Street 
End location: Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Road 
Bus route: B1-1

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Boxing Day, December 26, 2020: Avalon Cluster Rises To 116 Cases - Pittwater To Remain In Lockdown Until December 30

NSW recorded nine locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional six cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

Eight of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 116. The source of the other locally acquired case remains under investigation.

This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,658 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 39,133 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 69,809. 

This is an amazing effort from the community, and we continue to urge people to come forward and get tested; even if you have the mildest of symptoms. 

Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. Testing clinics will remain open over the holiday period, including today and heading into New Year’s Day. 

We also want to thank those who are self-isolating, which we appreciate is difficult at this time. However, if you are a close contact of a case, you must continue to self-isolate for 14 days since exposure, even if you receive a negative test result.

At the 11am Briefing NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, in outlining the changes in each area, stated:

"If you are the Northern Beaches, the northern part of the Northern Beaches, you revert back to the stay-at-home provisions, except if you're having an outside gathering of up to five people, recreation or exercise purposes. And (this) will be in place until midnight on December 30."

"In the southern part of the Northern Beaches, again, we revert back to the stay-at-home provisions, but you can have outdoor gatherings with two people for recreation or exercise reasons, but we do not want any people outside of the household coming into households for the next three days."

"For greater Sydney, we revert back to what happened on December 23, so, go back to normal more than 10 people in your household."

Staying at home rules

This means you must not be away from your place of residence or your temporary accommodation in the Northern Beaches unless you have a reasonable excuse.

A reasonable excuse includes:

1. shopping for food or other goods and services
2. medical care or compassionate needs
3. exercise
4. work or education, where you cannot work or learn from home.

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December 25th, 2020: Avalon Cluster rises to 108 Cases

NSW recorded seven locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional three cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

Four of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 108. The source of the other three locally acquired cases remains under investigation.

A previously confirmed case in an overseas traveller has been excluded after further testing. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,643 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were a record 69,809 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 60,184. 

Over the past week, more than 300,000 tests have been conducted across the state. This is an incredible effort from the community. Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

NSW Health continues to urge people with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing and follow public health advice. Testing clinics will remain open over the holidays, including today and Boxing Day. 

We also want to thank those who are self-isolating. We appreciate it is difficult, especially today and over this holiday period. However, if you are a close contact of a case, you must continue to self-isolate for 14 days since exposure, even if you receive a negative test result. 

Of the new cases to 8pm last night: 

Seven cases are locally acquired, and of these

- Four cases are linked to the Avalon cluster

- Two cases are household contacts of a previous case, whose source of infection is still under investigation

- One further case is under investigation

Three cases were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

NSW Health is treating 101 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (99 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

It is vital people keep up their guard against COVID-19 over Christmas, by limiting social interactions where feasible and keeping them outdoor as much as possible.

Even though it is raining today, we encourage people to use covered outdoor spaces, such as verandas, where at all possible. If indoors, make sure it is well ventilated, including opening windows.

Most importantly, don’t risk passing on COVID-19 to your family and friends for the sake of a social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the mildest symptoms, stay home and don’t go to the event.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited a growing list of locations across Sydney. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. 

It’s vital that people keep up their guard against COVID-19 over the holiday period, by limiting social interactions where feasible and following recommended infection control practices, including physical distancing and hand hygiene.

Don’t risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the mildest symptoms, stay home and don’t go to the event.

PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW VENUES, FLIGHT AND TRANSPORT ROUTES

December 25, 2020: 9PM

NSW Health has been notified of new venues and transport routes, including a flight, attended by a confirmed case of COVID-19, and wishes to advise of a revision to the advice for a previously announced venue on a particular date and time.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Belrose - Anytime Fitness Belrose, Glenrose Shopping Centre, corner of Glen St and Glenrose Place, Belrose: Wednesday 9 December 9.30am – 11.30am, Friday 11 December 9.45am - 11.30am, Saturday 12 December 9.30am – 11.30 am, Monday 14 December 9.30am – 11.30am, Friday 18 December 9.30am – 11.30 am. 

Please note that the health advice has changed for one date and time at the following venue: 

• Avalon Beach - Avalon Beach RSL Club, 1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach, Sunday 13 December 8.30 pm – 9.15pm. 

People who attended this venue on this date and time should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. You should monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.

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New Venues: December 24, 2020: 7pm Notice

NSW Health has been notified of new venues visited by a confirmed case of COVID-19, and wishes to advise of revisions to times, dates and advice for a number of previously announced venues.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is considered a close contact, and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether a negative result is received:

• North Sydney - Glorietta Restaurant and Bar, Upper Ground Floor, 100 Mount St, North Sydney Wednesday 16 December 12pm - 12.45pm
• Leichhardt - Massage Link, 122/138 Flood St, Leichhardt Friday 18 December 12.30pm – 1.15pm

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

Rozelle - Local Bar Café, 729 Darling St, Rozelle: 

• Wednesday 16 December 8.30 am - 9.30am 
• Thursday 17 December 8.30 am - 9.30am 
• Friday 18 December 8.30 am - 9.30am 
• Saturday 19 December 8.30 am - 9.30am 
• Sunday 20 December 8.30 am - 9.30am
• Sydney - Darling Quarter Food Court, 156 Darling Dr, Sydney Thursday 17 December 5pm – 6pm
• Balmain - Mr Café & Bar, Shop 11/418 Darling St, Balmain: Thursday 17 December 9-10am
• Leichhardt - Marketplace Leichhardt, 100/122-138 Flood St, Leichhardt: Saturday 19 December 2pm – 2.30pm
• Waverley - Ruby's Diner, Shop 1 & 2 179, 173 Bronte Rd, Waverley: Thursday 17 December 10am - 10.30am
• Rozelle - IGA, 649 Darling St, Rozelle: Thursday 17 December 8.25am – 8.35am
• Manly - Hotel Steyne, 75 The Corso, Manly: Thursday 17 December 3pm to 7pm

Anyone who attended the following venue at the following times should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested and isolate if they appear. If further symptoms appear, isolate and get tested again:

• Warriewood – ServiceNSW, Warriewood Square, 12 Jackson Road, Warriewood Tuesday 15 December 1.25pm – 2.05pm
• Hornsby - Bistro, Hornsby Railway Hotel 31 Station St, Hornsby: Thursday 17 December 6pm – 6.30pm

Please note that the health advice, dates or times have changed for the following venues:

• Bayview - Rowland Reserve Dog Park, Pittwater Road, Bayview; Wednesday 16 December 4pm to 5pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time is considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Belrose - Bunnings Belrose, Austlink Park Niangala Cl, Belrose; Saturday 12 December 12pm to 1pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Berowra - Anytime Fitness Berowra, 25-29 Turner Road, Berowra; Wednesday 16 December 5.30am to 6.30am and Thursday 17 December 5.30am to 6.30am

Anyone who attended should get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.

• Blacktown - BodyFit Gym, 27 Sackville Street, Blacktown; Wednesday 16 December 7am to 8.15am, Thursday 17 December 7am to 8.15am, Friday 18 December 7am to 8.15am

Anyone who attended on these dates and times should get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

• Kirribilli - Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Crescent, Kirribilli; Monday 14 December 12pm to 3pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time should get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

• Kirribilli - Kirribilli Hotel, 35-37 Broughton Street, Kirribilli; Thursday 17 December 12:45pm to 3pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time should get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

• Kings Park - Anytime Fitness Kings Park, 1/152 Sunnyholt Road, Kings Park; Sunday 20 December 9.30am to 11.45am

Anyone who attended at this date and time should get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

• Macquarie Park - Macquarie University Soccer Fields, Macquarie Park; Sunday 13 December 9.15am – 10.45am

Only the U8 Northern Beaches Futbol Academy Azul team, who played Premier Academy League, are considered close contacts. They have been contacted by NSW Health and need to isolate until 27 December and undertake further testing on day 12 or 13 (25/25 December).

• Mona Vale - Dan Murphy’s, 25-29 Park Street, Mona Vale; Thursday 17 December 5pm to 5.10pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time is considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Mona Vale - Scoop Wholefoods, Shop 6, 10 Park Street, Mona Vale; Wednesday 16 December, all day, Thursday 17 December, all day, Friday 18 December, all day

Anyone who attended at any time on any of these dates should get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms and if any occur, get tested again

• Mosman - Scoop Wholefoods, 14 Spit Road, Mosman; Wednesday 16 December, all day, Thursday 17 December, all day

Anyone who attended at any time on these dates should get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms and if any occur, get tested again

• Newport - Coles, 381 Barrenjoey Road, Newport; Friday 18 December 9am – 10am

Anyone who attended at this date and time is considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Newport - Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala Street, Newport; Wednesday 16 December 5pm to 6pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Newport - Shot Lab, 1/326-330 Barrenjoey Road, Newport; Tuesday 15 December 11am – 12pm

Anyone who attended this venue at this date and time is a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.

• North Sydney - Mr Green and Co, 1/66 Berry Street, North Sydney; Wednesday 16 December 1pm to 2pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Palm Beach - Pronto Creative Foods, 1095 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach; Wednesday 16 December 7.30am to 8.30am, Thursday 17 December 7.30am to 8.30am

Anyone who attended on these dates and times is considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms, and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Penrith - Penrith RSL Club, 8 Tindale Street, Penrith; Sunday 13 December 1pm to 6pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time should get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

• Warriewood – KFC, 18 Pondrosa Parade, Warriewood; Friday 18 December 12pm – 1pm

Anyone who attended at this date and time is considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms, and if symptoms occur, get tested and self-isolate.

• Brookvale - Westfield Warringah Mall, 145 Condamine Street Brookvale; Tuesday 15 December 12.15 – 2.45pm

An additional date has been added for this venue.

Those who attended the venue at this time should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested and isolate if they appear.

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December 24, 2020 - 11am Premiers' & NSW Health Update: 9 new cases, 7 linked to Avalon Cluster, bringing total to 104 Cases

NSW recorded nine locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional nine cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

Seven of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 104. The source of the other two locally acquired cases remains under investigation.

The total number of cases in NSW is now 4,634 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were a record 60,184 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 41,865. 

This is an outstanding effort from the community, and we strongly urge people to keep coming forward for testing. Testing clinics will remain open over the holidays, including Christmas Day. 

We also sincerely thank those who are now self-isolating. We appreciate it is difficult, especially at Christmas. However, if you are a close contact of a case, you must continue to self-isolate for 14 days since exposure, even if you receive a negative test result.

NSW Health is treating 109 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (99 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

One of the cases reported today attended the Paragon Hotel Sports Bar near Circular Quay in Loftus Street, Sydney, between 12.45pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday 16 December. A second person identified this morning, and who will appear in tomorrow’s numbers, also attended the Paragon Hotel Sports Bar at the same time. Two new cases have now been identified at this venue, which now has three cases associated with it. Patrons who were in the Sports Bar from 12.45pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 16 December for more than one hour and are considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of their result. Anyone who was there for less than one hour needs to get tested immediately and self-isolate pending a negative result.

People who attended other areas of the Paragon Hotel during this time should monitor for symptoms and isolate and get tested immediately if symptoms appear. These people should have a very low threshold for testing.

Another of today’s new cases under investigation is an office worker in the vicinity of Hunter and Bligh Streets in Sydney’s CBD. Anyone who has been in the north eastern part of the city, including the Australia Square, MLC Centre and Chifley Square, should be alert for symptoms and isolate immediately and get tested should even the mildest of symptoms develop.

Anyone who attended the pool deck area of Bondi Icebergs on Sunday 20 December between 8am and 9:30am and/or Monday 21 December between 7am and 8am are asked to get tested immediately and self-isolate. NSW Health will contact these people today to provide further information and advice.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited a growing list of locations across Sydney. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website.

It’s vital that people keep up their guard against COVID-19 over the holiday period, by limiting social interactions where feasible and following recommended infection control practices, including physical distancing and hand hygiene.

Don’t risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the mildest symptoms, stay home and don’t go to the event.

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW AND UPDATED VENUES

Wednesday December 23, 2020: 9.30 pm

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is considered a close contact, and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether a negative result is received:

• Alma Avalon Restaurant, 47 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach: Wednesday 16 December, 8.30pm until close 
• Premier Academy League Under 8s Macquarie University Soccer Fields, Macquarie University Soccer Fields, Macquarie Park: Sunday 13 December, 9.15am – 10.45am 
• Mona Vale Fitness First, Pittwater Place Shopping Centre, 10 Park St, Mona Vale: Thursday 17 December, all day

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• MLC building food court, 19 Martin Place, Sydney: Tuesday 15 December, 1pm – 2pm 

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested and isolate if they appear. If further symptoms appear, get isolate and get tested again:

• De’assis Collaroy Café , Shop 2/1091 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy: Saturday 12 December, 9.15am – 10.10am

Anyone who attended one of the following venues at the times specified is asked to immediately get tested and isolate until NSW Health provides further information:

• -Bondi Icebergs Club (Pool Deck Level), 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach: Sunday 20 December, 8am – 9.30am; AND Monday 21 December, 7am-8am

If you travelled on these bus routes during the time and date indicated, you should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Passengers should continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again:

• Bus route B1-1, Wednesday 16 December, 6.50am – 7.45am departing from Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd and arriving at Wynyard Station Stand B
• Bus route B1-2, Wednesday 16 December, 4.30pm to 5.30pm departing from Wynyard Station Stand B and arriving at Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd
• Bus route 199-49, Thursday 17 December, 11am to 11.25am departing from Barrenjoey Rd opp George St and arriving at Barrenjoey Rd opp Village Park
• Bus route B1-1,Thursday 17 December, 11.30am to 12.36pm departing from Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Rd and arriving at Wynyard Station, York St, Stand M
• Bus route B1-2, Thursday 17 December,4.15pm to 5.15pm, departing from Wynyard Station, Carrington St, Stand B and arriving at Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Rd
• Bus route 188X-2, Thursday 17 December, 5.20pm to 5.40pm departing from Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Rd and arriving at Barrenjoey Rd after George St
• Bus route B1-1, Wednesday 16 December, 6.50am to 7.45am, departing from Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd and arriving at Wynyard Station Stand B
• Bus route B1-2, Wednesday 16 December, 4.30pm to 5.30pm, departing from Wynyard Station Stand B and arriving at Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd
• Bus route 199-49, Thursday 17 December, 11am to 11.25am departing from Barrenjoey Rd opp George St and arriving at Barrenjoey Rd opp Village Park
• Bus route B1-1, Thursday 17 December, 11.30am to 12.36pm, departing from Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Rd and arriving at Wynyard Station, York St, Stand M
• Bus route B1-2, Thursday 17 December 4.15pm to 5.15pm departing from Wynyard Station, Carrington St, Stand B and arriving at Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Rd
• Bus route 188X-2, Thursday 17 December, 5.20pm to 5.40pm departing from Mona Vale BLine, Barrenjoey Rd and arriving at Barrenjoey Rd after George St

If you travelled on these train routes during the time and date indicated, you should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Passengers should continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again:

• Wynyard to Milsons Point on Thursday 17 December between 12.39pm and departing 12.46pm;
• Milsons Points to Wynyard on Thursday 17 December between 4pm and 4.11pm.

Please note that the health advice or times have changed for the following venues:

• Coffee Brothers Mona Vale, 1/54-56 Darley St, Mona Vale: Saturday 12 December, 12pm to 1pm

People who attended this venue at this date and time are no longer considered close contacts.

Patrons should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again. 

• Shot Lab, 1/326-330 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport: Tuesday 15 December, 11am to 12pm

People who attended should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.

There are more than 320 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/.../how-to-protect.../clinics or contact your GP.

NSW Health urges anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW AND UPDATED VENUES

Wednesday December 23, 2020: 3pm

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is considered a close contact, and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether a negative result is received:

• Auburn - Rosnay Golf Club Bistro, 5 Weymouth Avenue Auburn NSW 2144 Sunday 20 December 11.15am to 12.15pm
• Berowra - Anytime Fitness Berowra, 25-29 Turner Road, Berowra NSW 2081, Wednesday 16 December 5.30am-6.30am and Thursday 17 December 5.30am-6.30am
• Cronulla- Cronulla RSL Club, 38R Gerrale Street, Cronulla NSW 2230, Wednesday 16 December 5pm to closing
• Gordon USA Nails & Footspa, 788A Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072 Friday 18 December 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Anyone who was in venue for at least an hour during this time is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and self-isolate for a full 14 days from exposure regardless of the result. Anyone who was there for less than an hour are casual contacts and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Kings Park - Anytime Fitness Kings Park, 1/152 Sunnyholt Rd, Kings Park NSW 2148, Friday 18 December 9.30am-11.45am
• Kirribilli- Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Crescent, Lavender Bay, NSW 2060, Monday 14 December 12pm-3pm
• Lane Cove- Hair by Erika, The Village Shopping Centre, Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, NSW 2066, Friday 11 December 2:30pm-4:30pm 
• Milsons Point - Kirribilli Hotel Milsons Point, 35-37 Broughton St, Milsons Point NSW, Thursday 17 December 12.45pm-3pm
• Mona Vale - Coffee Brothers Mona Vale, 1/54-56 Darley St, Mona Vale NSW, Saturday 12 December 12pm-1pm
• Narrabeen - The Sands, 1260 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen Tuesday 15 December 6pm- 8pm
• Newport - Rusti Fig, 3/363 Barrenjoey Road, Newport Saturday 12 December 9am to 10:30am
• Newport - ChaRice Noodle Bar, 2/331-335 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport Wednesday 16 December 1pm-2.30pm 
• Newport - Lovat Restaurant, 316-324 Barrenjoey Road, Newport Tuesday 15 December 6.30pm-8.30pm

Patrons sitting inside or staff working on the floor at the bar are close contacts and should get tested and isolate for 14 days even if they receive a negative result. Others are casual contact and should monitor for symptoms

• North Narrabeen - Motorserve Narrabeen Car Servicing 1408-1410 Pittwater Rd, North Narrabeen Friday 18 December 10.30am to 12pm

Anyone who was in the waiting room for at least an hour during this time is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and self-isolate for a full 14 days from exposure regardless of the result. 

Anyone who was in the waiting room for less than an hour should monitor for symptoms and get tested if symptoms occur.

• Palm Beach - Pronto Creative Foods, 1095 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach Wednesday 16 December 7.30am-8.30am and Thursday 17 December 7.30am-8.30am
• Penrith - Penrith RSL Club, 8 Tindale Street, Penrith Sunday 13 December 1pm to 6pm

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Newport - Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport Wednesday 16 December 4.30pm-6pm 
• Mona Vale - Dan Murphy Mona Vale, 25-29 Park St, Mona Vale NSW 2103 Thursday 17 December 5pm-5.10pm
• Mosman - Scoop Wholefoods, 14 Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 Wednesday 16 December All day and Thursday 17 December All day

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested and isolate if they appear. If further symptoms appear, get isolate and get tested again:

• Avoca Beach - Avoca Beach Hotel, Saltwater Bistro, 326-360 Avoca Dr Avoca Beach Sunday 20 December 7:30pm-8:30pm 
• Bayview - Rowland Reserve Dog Park Pittwater Road, Bayview Wednesday 16 December 4pm-5pm and Thursday 17 December 4pm-5pm
• Belrose - Bunnings Belrose, Austlink Park Niangala Cl, Belrose Thursday 17 December 4pm-5pm
• Hornsby - Aura Threading and Beauty Hornsby Westfield Hornsby, Shop 2067, L 2/236 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby Thursday 17 December 10am-1.20pm
• Hornsby - Cotton On Westfield Hornsby 236 Pacific Hwy Hornsby Thursday 17 December 10am-10.20am
• Hornsby - Kmart Westfield Hornsby 236 Pacific Hwy Hornsby Thursday 17 December 6.30pm-7pm
• Mona Vale, Bayview Golf Club 1825 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale Monday 7 December 11.45am-12.45pm, Tuesday 8 December 11.45am-12.45pm, Friday 11 December 11.45am-12.45pm
• Mona Vale - Woolworths 25/29 Park St, Mona Vale  Saturday 12 December 1pm-1:30pm
• Mona Vale - Harris Farm Pittwater Place Centre, 35/10 Park St, Mona Vale Sunday 13 December 1pm-3pm
• North Ryde Macquarie Shopping Centre, Cnr Herring Rd &, Waterloo Rd, North Ryde Sunday 13 December 11am-1pm
• North Sydney- Mr Green & Co North Sydney, 1/66 Berry Street, North Sydney Wednesday 16 December 1pm-2pm
• Palm Beach - Pronto Creative Foods, 1095 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach, Wednesday 16 December 7.30am-8.30am, Thursday 17 December7.30am-8.30am
• Stanhope Gardens -Coles Stanhope Village Shopping Centre, Stanhope Pkwy and Sentry Dr Stanhope Gardens Saturday; 19 December 7am-3.30pm, Sunday 20 December 7am-2pm 
• Sydney - Results Laser Clinic Sydney, Shop H16, Hunter Connection Hunter St, Sydney Wednesday 16 December 12.30pm-1pm 
• Waitara Jim’s Cellars, 65 Edgeworth David Ave, Waitara Thursday 17 December 7.15pm-7.30pm

Warriewood - Warriewood Square 12 Jackson Road, Warriewood:

• Tuesday 8 December 12:30-2:15pm 
• Tuesday 15 December 3.30pm-4.30pm 
• Wednesday 16 December 11am-12.15pm
• Thursday 17 December 11am-3pm 

Please note that the health advice or times have changed for the following venues:

• Brookvale - Westfield Warringah Mall, 145 Condamine St Brookvale Saturday 19 December 1.30pm-2.30pm (not 10am-1pm as previously reported)
• Hornsby - Aura Threading & Beauty, Westfield Hornsby Shop 2067, L2 236 Pacific Hwy Hornsby, Thursday 17 December 10.25am to 11am

New advice: Anyone who attended is now considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms. If symptoms occur, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.

This replaces previous advice that anyone who attended was previously identified as a close contact.

Mona Vale - Bayview Golf Club, 1825 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale:

• Monday 7 December 11.30am-3pm 
• Tuesday 8 December 2.25pm-5.30pm
• Friday 11 December 11.45am to 12.45pm

New advice: anyone who attended is now considered a casual contact and should monitor for symptoms. If symptoms occur, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.

This replaces previous advice that anyone who attended was a close contact.

• Warriewood - KFC Mona Vale, 1B Ponderosa Pde, Warriewood, Friday, 18 December 12pm-1pm

New advice: Anyone who visited this venue is considered a casual contact, and should monitor for symptoms, then isolate and get tested if symptoms appear.

This replaces the previous advice that anyone who was at this venue at the dates and times specified should get tested immediately and isolate until NSW Health provides further information 

The NSW Government website will be updated with these case locations shortly.

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Cases Update: December 23rd, 2020 11am Briefing; 
Avalon Cluster rises to 97 Cases

NSW recorded eight locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional eight cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. Seven of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 97. Four of these cases are residents of the northern area of the Northern Beaches.  

The eighth locally acquired case, reported yesterday but included in today’s numbers, is a contact of the western Sydney healthcare worker involved in patient transport. The source of their infection remains under investigation. 

The total number of cases in NSW is now 4,616 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 41,865 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared to the previous day’s record of 44,466. 

We thank the community for following public health advice and continuing to come forward in high numbers to get tested as soon as even the mildest symptoms appear. 

We also sincerely thank those who are self-isolating. We appreciate it is difficult, especially at Christmas, however it if you are a close contact, you must continue to self-isolate for 14 days since exposure, even if you receive a negative test result. 

Of the 16 new cases to 8pm last night: 

• - Eight cases are locally acquired, and of these: Seven cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. One is a close contact of a known case whose source is under investigation.
• - Eight cases were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

Central Coast residents are being asked to continue getting tested if they have even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms, after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected traces of the virus at a treatment plant in Kincumber serving the Gosford area on Monday 21 December. 

The sewerage system includes the suburbs of Niagara Park, Narara, Lisarow, Wyoming, West Gosford, North Gosford, Somersby, Kariong, Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Springfield, Erina, Terrigal, Wamberal, Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, Macmasters Beach, Bouddi, Green Point, Yattalunga, Kincumber, Kincumber South, Bensville, Saratoga, Davistown, Empire Bay, St Huberts Island, Daleys Point, Killcare, Killcare Heights, Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe, in which around 140,000 people reside.

NSW Health is aware of a COVID-19 positive case on the Central Coast, as well as a case from western Sydney who visited Avoca while infectious last weekend. 

NSW Health continues to call on people in Sydney’s Upper North Shore to get tested if they have even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms, after traces of the virus were detected at a Hornsby Heights treatment plant on 19 December. Two recent COVID-19 cases in the area are linked to the Avalon cluster.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited a growing list of locations across Sydney. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. 

NSW Health is treating 104 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (98 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW AND UPDATED VENUES

Tuesday December 22nd, 2020: 9.40pm

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is considered a close contact, and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether a negative result is received:

- Paddington - Paddington Alimentari, 2 Hopetoun St, Paddington: Thursday 17 December 5.30am-6pm, Friday 18 December 5.30am-6pm and Saturday 18 December 5.30am-6pm. Please note updated advice for this venue. All patrons who were seated at this venue – inside or outside –  at the above times should get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. Patrons who bought takeaway should monitor for symptoms, and isolate and get tested immediately should they appear.

- St Leonards - Charlie & Franks, IBM Plaza, Shop 1, 601 Pacific Highway, St Leonards: Wednesday, 16 December 9am-10am. Staff and patrons who were at the venue on this day for at least one hour between 9am-10am are close contacts and should get tested and isolate for 14 days even if they receive a negative result. Patrons who were there for less than one hour between 9am-10am are casual contacts and we are requesting that you get tested as soon as possible and isolate pending test results. 

• Mona Vale - Fitness First Mona Vale, Pittwater Place Shopping Centre, 10 Park St, Mona Vale: Thursday, 17 December 11.30am-1pm.

Passengers on the following bus services are close contacts and must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. Please note these services have already been publicised, but the times have been updated to reflect actual departure and arrival times rather than the scheduled times:

Route B1-2

• Monday, 14 December, departing Wynyard Station Stand B, 5.47pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.40pm
• Tuesday, 15 December, departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.39am, arriving Wynyard Station Stand M, 7.29am
• Tuesday, 15 December, departing Wynyard Station Stand B 6.28pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.21pm
• Wednesday, 16 December, departing Warriewood BLine Pittwater Rd 6.53am, arriving Wynyard Station Stand M, 7.41am
• Wednesday, 16 December, departing Wynyard Station Stand B 4.31pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 5.25pm

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Mona Vale - Scoop Wholefoods, Shop 6, 10 Park Street, Mona Vale: Wednesday 16 December all day, Thursday 17 December all day and Friday 18 December all day.
• Mosman - Scoop Wholefoods, 14 Spit Rd, Mosman: Thursday, 17 December, 8am-10am.
• Paddington - London Hotel, 85 Underwood St, Paddington: Thursday, 17 December, 8.15pm-9.30pm. Please note updated advice for this venue.
• Warriewood - Brooke Withers Swim School, 6/2 Daydream St, Warriewood: Wednesday, 16 December, 2pm-3.30pm.
• Warriewood- Warriewood Valley Playground Rocket Park, Casuarina Dr, Warriewood: Thursday, 17 December, 10.15am-12.30pm.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the following times is a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested and isolate if they appear:

• Avalon Beach - Woolworths, 74 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach: Saturday, 12 December, 12-12.15pm. Please note updated advice for this venue.
• Belrose - Fresh Delights Café, Belrose Super Centre,4-6 Niangala Close, Belrose: Thursday, 17 December 9am-10am. 
• Bondi Junction - Westfield Bondi Junction,500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction: Saturday, 19 December 10am-1pm.
• Brookvale - Westfield Warringah Mall,145 Condamine St, Brookvale: Saturday, 19 December, 10am-1pm.
• Cronulla - Woolworths Metro, 84-86 Cronulla St, Cronulla: Sunday, 13 December, 11am-12pm.
• Davidson - Davidson Pizzeria, 42-6 Yindela St, Davidson: Friday, 18 December, 6.15-6.45pm
• Mona Vale - Woolworths, 25/29 Park St, Mona Vale: Sunday, 13 December, 12pm-12.30pm. Please note updated advice for this venue.
• Mona Vale - Pittwater Place,10 Park St, Mona Vale:Saturday, 19 December, 12pm-1pm.
• Mona Vale - Coles, Pittwater Place, 10 Park St, Mona Vale: Sunday, 13 December 1-3pm & Saturday, 19 December, 12pm-12.45pm.
• Newport - Coles 381 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach: Wednesday, 9 December, 4pm-4.20pm, Friday, 11 December, 5pm-7pm, Saturday, 12 December, 3.15pm-3.30pm & Tuesday, 15 December, 2pm-2.15pm & 8pm-8.25pm.
• Turramurra - Coles, 1 Ray St, Turramurra: Thursday, 17 December, 10am-10.30am & Friday, 18 December, 10.30am-11am. 

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW AND UPDATED VENUES

December 22nd 2020: 6pm

As reported by NSW Health earlier today, a Victorian resident who had been holidaying in the Northern Beaches has tested positive for COVID-19. 

The website will be updated with these case locations shortly.

This case, which is not included in the NSW numbers, presented for testing in Victoria on 20 December and the positive result was received on 21 December. They have been isolating since their return to Victoria. The family members of this case in Sydney are all in isolation and have tested negative to date.

This case visited Oliver’s Real Food, 31 Annie Pyers Drive, Gundagai on Friday 18 December, 5.30pm – 6.05pm. Anyone who attended this venue at the specified time is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result. They should continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.

There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).

Additionally, as reported earlier today, a close contact of the healthcare worker reported in today’s numbers has tested positive for COVID-19.

This person travelled through Orange on Saturday 19 December. They were present at Orange Health Service and all close contacts have been identified, have self-isolated and have undergone testing. All have returned a negative result. 

Anyone who attended the below venue at the specified time is considered a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately and isolate if they appear, self-isolating until they receive their result:

• -Orange Central Square Shopping Centre, 227 – 239 Summer St, Orange: Saturday 19 December, 4.05pm to 4.15pm. The person did not enter any stores or come into close contact with any individual during this time period.

Additional testing capacity will be made available at the Laverty Drive-through service at the Orange Showground from this afternoon, and at the Orange Hospital’s Fever Clinic from 10am tomorrow. Testing is also available at the Western Primary Health Network’s Respiratory Clinic at the Bloomfield Medical Centre on Forest Road on weekdays.

There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

NSW Health advice has been updated for Avalon Recreation Centre Pop Up testing clinic after a case investigation indicated this is a low risk exposure and anyone who attended the clinic needs only to monitor for symptoms and seek testing if they develop, in line with the existing advice for the entire NSW community and especially for residents of the Avalon area.

Anyone who attended the clinic because they have been identified as a close contact and are isolating for 14 days, or a casual contact and isolating until receiving a negative test should continue to follow the public health advice related to those specific exposures.

Patrons at Paddington Alimentari Deli and Café in Hopetoun St Paddington from December 17-19 were previously advised to be casual contacts of a COVID-19 case. Following further investigations, all patrons who were seated at Paddington Alimentari Deli and Café from December 17 – 19 are now considered close contacts and should get tested for COVID-19 and isolate for 14 days from their visit. NSW Health will be calling patrons to confirm their isolation date.

Take away patrons should monitor for symptoms until January 2, and isolate and get tested immediately should symptoms develop.

NSW Health has also been notified of a number of modes of transport used by confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sydney.

If you travelled on these public transport routes during the time and date indicated you should get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Passengers should continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again: 

• -Bus Route M52, Tuesday 15 December, departing Ryde, St Charles PS, 8:09 and arriving Elizabeth Street, Sydney, Martin Place Stn Stand C, 8:46.
• -Bus Route M52, Tuesday 15 December, departing Elizabeth Street, Sydney; Museum of Sydney, 17:52 and arriving Ryde, St Charles PS, 18:34.
• -Bus Route M52, Wednesday 16 December, departing Ryde, St Charles PS, 8:24 and arriving Elizabeth Street, Sydney, Martin Place Stn Stand C, 9:06
• -Bus Route M52, Wednesday 16 December, departing Elizabeth Street, Sydney; Museum of Sydney, 18:12 and arriving Ryde, St Charles PS, 18:55
• -Bus Route M52, Thursday 17 December, departing Ryde, St Charles PS, 8:25 and arriving Elizabeth Street, Sydney, Martin Place Stn Stand C, 8:59
• -T1 North Shore Line, Wednesday 16 December, departing Central 7.12am, arriving Artarmon 7.35am

Advice for the following venues announced in previous Public Health Alerts has been revised. Please note amendments in bold below:

• Garfish Manly, 1/39 E Esplanade, Manly: Thursday 17 December, 7.10pm-8.15pm

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NSW Health full update: 11am Tuesday December 22nd, 2020

NSW recorded eight locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, and an additional 10 cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. 

Seven of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster and one remains under investigation. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 90. Two more cases are residents of the northern area of the Northern Beaches.  

The total number of cases in NSW is 4,600 since the beginning of the pandemic. 

There were a record 44,466 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 38,578 in the previous 24 hours, which was also a record. 

NSW Health thanks the community for their excellent response in coming forward for testing and following public health advice. We urge people to continue to get tested as soon as even the mildest symptoms appear, as this is vital to helping us to contain the virus by stopping community transmission.

Of the 18 new cases to 8pm last night: 

• Eight cases are locally acquired, and of these; Seven cases are linked to the Avalon cluster
• One case remains under investigation
• Ten cases were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

The case under investigation is a healthcare worker from western Sydney who is involved in the transfer of patients. 

This case was involved in transporting several patients between hospitals, homes and care facilities. Those patients and other contacts are being urgently contacted, instructed to isolate and tested. Investigations into the source of the case are ongoing. 

An additional case linked to this healthcare professional has been identified since 8pm last night and will be included in tomorrow’s numbers.

A Victorian resident who had been holidaying in the Northern Beaches has also tested positive. This case, which is not included in the NSW numbers, presented for testing in Victoria on 20 December and the positive result was received on 21 December. They have been isolating since their return to Victoria. The family members of this case in Sydney are all in isolation and have tested negative to date.

NSW Health is calling on people in Sydney’s Upper North Shore to come forward for testing if they have even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms, after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected traces of the virus at a treatment plant in Hornsby Heights.

Fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected in samples taken on Saturday December 19 from the sewerage system that drains parts of Berowra, Cowan, Berowra Heights, Hornsby Heights, Mount Colah, Mount Kuring-Gai, Asquith and Hornsby. 

NSW Health is aware of two recent COVID-19 positive cases in the area which are linked to the Avalon cluster, but as a precaution we continue to ask the community to be alert and present for testing.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited many locations across Sydney. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. 

NSW Health is treating 93 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (97 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

Due to the risk to the people of NSW from the Avalon cluster, restrictions remain in place across Greater Sydney to reduce the risk of further community transmission. These include:

• - Household gatherings are limited to 10 visitors until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December.
• - The one person per four square metre rule has been re-introduced for all indoor settings, including hospitality venues and places of worship.
• - A cap of 300 people applies for hospitality venues and places of worship.
• - Singing in indoor venues is now restricted, returning to a maximum of five performers indoors, provided they are 1.5m from one another and at least 5m from the audience. Audience members are not allowed to sing along.
• - Dancefloors are not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the wedding party will be permitted to dance.

For the purposes of the Public Health Order, ‘Greater Sydney’ comprises the following local government areas: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Wollongong and Woollahra.

People are also advised to wear masks in indoor settings, and are also urged not to visit residential aged care facilities, disability services or vulnerable people unless it is critical. This advice will be re-assessed tomorrow, Wednesday 23 December. 

‘Stay at home’ orders in place for residents of the Northern Beaches local government area (LGA) will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December. Further clear advice will be provided to the community before Christmas.

All residents of the Northern Beaches LGA are required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons, under the Public Health Order issued on Saturday 19 December.

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW AND UPDATED VENUES

Monday December 21st, 2020: 11.55pm

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new venues visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19, and updated exposure times for previously announced venues.

The website will be updated with these case locations shortly.

Anyone who attended any of the following venues at the times specified is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result:

• Cortex Gym – Strength and Conditioning Class, 1 Bowden Street, Alexandria: Tuesday, 15 December. Please note: this venue has been updated from casual to close contact. 
• Avalon Beach RSL Club, 1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach: Friday, 11 December all day until close, Monday, 14 December all day until close, Tuesday, 15 December all day until close, Wednesday, 16 December 1pm-midnight, Wednesday, 16 December opening time to 1pm. 

Anyone who attended at this time should get tested immediately and isolate pending a result: 

• United Cinemas, 39 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach: Tuesday, 15 December 12pm-2.15pm
• BodyFit Gym, 27 Sackville St, Blacktown: Wednesday, 16 December 7am-8am, Thursday, 17 December 7am-8am, Friday, 18 December 7am-8am
• Park House Hotel, 2 Park St, Mona Vale: Wednesday, 16 December:8.00pm-10pm
• Pilates KX, Shop 5/1 Mona Vale Rd Mona Vale: Monday, 14 December 7pm-9pm
• The Boatshed Cafe & Bar, Lower Level 11 Narrabeen Street, Narrabeen NSW 2107: Monday, 14 December 2pm-3pm
• Sankaku Izakaya Newport, 376 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport: Thursday, 17 December2.30pm-3.30pm
• Lovat Restaurant, 316-324 Barrenjoey Road, Newport: Tuesday, 15 December 6.30pm-8.30pm. Patrons sitting inside or staff working on the floor at the bar are close contacts and must get tested and isolate for 14 days even if a negative result is received. All other patrons are casual contacts who must get tested immediately and isolate pending a result. 
• London Hotel, 85 Underwood St, Paddington :Thursday, 17 December 8.15pm-9.30pm
• Sydney Paragon Hotel, Sports Bar 1 Loftus St, Sydney: Wednesday, 16 December 12.45pm-3.30pm. 

Anyone who attended the Sports Bar during this time for more than one hour is considered a close contact and should get tested and isolate for 14 days even if they receive a negative result.

Anyone who attended the Sports Bar during this time for less than one hour get tested immediately and isolate pending a negative result. Continue to watch for COVID-19 symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.

People who attended other areas of the Paragon Hotel during this time, should monitor for symptoms, and isolate and get tested immediately if symptoms appear.

• Headland Private Tennis Court (inside clubhouse and outside on courts), Warriewood: Monday, 14 December 9.30am-12pm
• United Cinemas Warriewood, 4 Vuko Place, Warriewood: Tuesday, 15 December 12pm-2.30pm

Anyone who attended one of the following venues at the times specified is asked to immediately get tested and isolate until NSW Health provides further information:

• The House Nail Salon, 24 Avalon Parade, Avalon: Monday, 14 December 10.30am-11.30am
• Woolworths, 74 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach: Tuesday, 15 December 7.00pm-7.30pm
• Rowland Reserve Dog Park, Pittwater Road, Bayview: Wednesday, 16 December 4pm-5pm, Thursday 17 December 4pm-5pm
• USA Nails 788A Pacific Highway, Gordon: Thursday, 17 December 12.30pm-1.30pm
• Lovat Restaurant, 316-324 Barrenjoey Road, Newport , Friday, 11 December 6.30pm-8.30pm
• Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport: Wednesday, 16 December 5pm-6pm
• Shot Lab, 1/326-330 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport: Tuesday, 15 December 11am-12pm
• Premier Academy League Under 8s, Macquarie University Soccer Field: Sunday, 13 December 9am-11am
• Pronto Creative Foods, 1095 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach: Wednesday, 16 December 7.30am-8.30am, Thursday17 December 7.30am-8.30am
• Warriewood Square, 12 Jackson Road, Warriewood: Tuesday, 15 December 3.30pm-4.30pm, Wednesday, 16 December 11am-12.15pm, Thursday 17 December 11am-3pm

Anyone who has attended any of the following venues should get tested immediately and isolate pending results:

• The Anglers Rest, 216 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn: Thursday, 17 December 5.30pm-7.15pm
• Paddington Alimentari, 2 Hopetoun St, Paddington: Thursday 17 December 5.30am-6pm, Friday, 18 December 5.30am-6pm, Saturday, 19 December 5.30am-6pm
• Arthouse Hotel, 275 Pitt St, Sydney: Thursday, 17 December 11.15am-12.15pm
• McDonalds Restaurant, Warriewood Rd, Warriewood: Thursday, 17 December 1.30pm-2pm
• Warriewood Square – Kmart, Rebel Sport, Woolworths, Aldi, and Surf Dive N Ski, 12 Jackson Road, Warriewood: Tuesday, 8 December 12.30pm-2.15pm

Anyone who attended either of the following venues at these times is a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately and isolate if they appear:

• 1 Bligh St, Sydney: Thursday, 17 December 10.30am-10.50am
• Macquarie Shopping Centre (various), Cnr Herring Rd &, Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park: Monday, 13 December 11am-1pm

Please note change of advice from test immediately and isolate to casual contact – monitor for symptoms and test if they appear. 

Please note that Asquith Golf Course is no longer considered a risk and has been removed from the list of venues of concern.

NSW Health urges anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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December 21, 2020: 3pm - New Locations, routes & expanded times for others

NSW Health has been notified of new venues on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and expanded exposure times for previously announced venues, which have been visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The website will be updated with these case locations shortly. 

Anyone who was at the following venues on the dates and at the times below is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• The Boatshed Café & Bar, Lower Level, 11 Narrabeen Street, Narrabeen: Monday 14 December, 2pm – 3pm 
• Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale: Wednesday 16 December, 8pm – 10pm
• Sankaku Izakaya, 376 Barrenjoey Road, Newport: Thursday 17 December, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Times have also been revised for three pubs in Erskineville, Newport and Manly, all of which were announced in previous Public Health Alerts. 

Anyone who was at the Rose of Australia, 1 Swanson St, Erskineville, on Tuesday 15 December after 7pm until closing is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. 

Anyone who was at 4 Pines, 313 Barrenjoey Road, Newport, on Wednesday 16 December between 4:30pm and 9pm is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. 

Anyone who was at the Hotel Steyne, 75 The Corso, Manly, on Thursday 17 December between 3pm and 7pm is considered a casual contact and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Exposure times for the below gym, announced in the Public Health Alert on Saturday, have now been expanded. Please note amendments in bold: 

• Fitness First Mona Vale, Pittwater Place Shopping Centre, 10 Park Street, Mona Vale: Sunday 13 December, 2pm- 4pm; Monday 14 December, all day; and Wednesday 16 December, all day. 

Confirmed cases travelled on the following transport services. Other passengers are considered to be casual contacts, and should get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Bus Route 304, Wednesday 16 December, departing Bourke Street (opposite Lachlan Street) Rosebery, 7.46am and arriving Martin Place Station Stand C, 8.11am
• Bus Route 199, Thursday 17 December, departing Bourke Street (opposite Lachlan Street) Rosebery, 8.05am and arriving Martin Place Station Stand C, 8.30am

Five cases at a workplace in the Sydney CBD have been linked to the Avalon cluster. Close contacts, including the other 10 workers, have been tested and are isolating. No ongoing risk to others has been identified.

NSW Health urges anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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Monday December 21, 2020: 11am Update - 15 new cases linked to Avalon Cluster brings total to 83 cases

NSW Health advises that NSW recorded 15 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, and an additional eight cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. 

All 15 locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of this cluster, which now numbers 83. 

The total number of cases in NSW is 4,582 since the beginning of the pandemic. 

There were a record 38,578 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 28,210 in the previous 24 hours. This has been the highest amount of COVID-19 testing ever done in a single day. 

NSW Health thanks the community for their excellent response in coming forward for testing and following public health advice. This is vital to helping us to contain the virus by stopping community transmission.

Of the 23 new cases to 8pm last night: 

• 15 cases are locally acquired and linked to the Avalon cluster
• Eight were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited many locations throughout Sydney’s northern beaches, lower north shore, eastern and southern suburbs. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. 

Due to the growing risk from the Avalon outbreak, new restrictions were introduced for Greater Sydney from midnight last night to reduce the risk of further community transmission. These include:

• Household gatherings are limited to 10 visitors (until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December).
• The one person per four square metre rule is being re-introduced for all indoor settings, including hospitality venues and places of worship.
• A cap of 300 people will apply for hospitality venues and places of worship.
• Singing in indoor venues will now be restricted, returning to a maximum of five performers indoors, provided they are 1.5m from one another and at least 5m from the audience who are not allowed to sing along. 
• Dancefloors will not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the wedding party will be permitted.

For the purposes of the Order, ‘Greater Sydney’ comprises the following local government areas: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Wollongong and Woollahra.

People in Greater Sydney are also urged not to visit residential aged care facilities, disability services or vulnerable people unless it is critical. This advice will be re-assessed on Wednesday 23 December. 

People across Greater Sydney are also advised to wear masks in indoor settings such as shops and hospitality venues, in line with advice already issued to those in the Northern Beaches. 

‘Stay at home’ orders in place for residents of the Northern Beaches local government area (LGA) will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December to control the spread of COVID-19. Further clear advice will be provided to the community before Christmas.

All residents of the Northern Beaches LGA are required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons, under the Public Health Order issued on Saturday 19 December.

Acceptable reasons for leaving home include shopping for food and other essential goods and services; travelling to work or an educational institution if working or studying from home is not possible; exercising; seeking medical care; providing carer’s responsibilities and meeting compassionate needs. It is strongly recommended masks are worn when leaving isolation for these permitted reasons. 

Any residents of the Northern Beaches LGA who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020 must comply with the same restrictions that apply to the Northern Beaches, regardless of their current location.

Non-residents who have visited the Northern Beaches on or after Thursday 10 December should monitor closely for symptoms and get tested if any appear, no matter how mild. Anyone who visited the Northern Beaches since 10 December is also urged to check the NSW Government website for locations visited by confirmed cases and follow the associated health advice for the relevant venues if they have visited any of them: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. 

This Public Health Order also requires the closing of hospitality venues and function centres in the Northern Beaches LGA, with the exception of businesses offering takeaway food. Gyms and places of worship will also close. Further information on the Public Health Order is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/.../what-you-can.../northern-beaches 

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW VENUES

December 20, 2020: 11pm

NSW Health has been notified of more venues on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Sydney’s eastern suburbs that have been visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who was at the following venues on the dates and at the times below is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• Anytime Fitness, 7 Taronga Place, Mona Vale, on Thursday 17 December between 9.50am and 12.45pm;
• G Fitness, 72/80 Evans Street, Freshwater, on Tuesday 15 December between 11am and 12.45pm;
• 4 Pines, 313 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport, on Wednesday 16 December between 4.30pm-9pm;
• Twenty-One Espresso, 21 Knox Street, Double Bay: Any staff working on Tuesday 15 December, and patrons seated in the indoor section on that day for more than 1 hour between 7.10pm and 8.15pm and 8.25pm and 9.10pm. 

Anyone who attended the following venues on the dates and times below is considered a casual contact and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, Jacksons Rd, Warriewood, on Tuesday 15 December between 6.30pm and 9.30pm;
• Twenty-One Espresso, 21 Knox Street, Double Bay: Any patrons who were in the restaurant for less than 1 hour, or those who sat in the outdoor area on Tuesday 15 December between 7.10pm and 8.15pm and 8.25pm and 9.10pm on Tuesday 15 December;
• Flower Power, 22 Macpherson St, Warriewood, on Friday 18 December between 8.45am and 9.30am;
• Bowen Island Bakery, 383 Barrenjoey Road, Newport, on Friday 18 December between 9am and 9.30am.

Times have been revised for the following restaurant, which was announced in a previous Public Health Alert. Anyone who was at the following venue at the following time is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• Garfish Manly, 1/39 E Esplanade, Manly, on Thursday 17 December between 6.45pm-10pm.

Advice published in a Public Health Alert issued on Saturday 19 December regarding 4 Pines, Newport, has also been updated. Anyone who attended this venue on Tuesday 15 December from 6pm to 10pm should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days.

Given the challenges associated with reaching venues which are closed due to the Northern Beaches lockdown, NSW Health advises that some venues may be included in public health alerts and on the NSW Government website prior to NSW Health informing the venue directly. This is to ensure contacts can be notified as quickly as possible of any potential risk.

Confirmed cases travelled on the following transport service. Other passengers are considered to be casual contacts, and should get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Bus Route 199 on Saturday 12 December, departing Palm Beach 10.10am and arriving at Manly Beach at 11.30am.

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – NEW VENUES

December 20, 2020: 7pm

NSW Health has been notified of more venues on Sydney’s northern beaches, lower north shore, southern and eastern suburbs which have been visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who was at the following venues on the dates and at the times below is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• Manly Skiff Club, Corner of East Esplanade and Stuart Street, Manly: Saturday 12 December, 12pm – 2.30pm
• Donny’s Bar, 7 Market Place, Manly: Saturday 12 December, 3:15pm – 9pm
• Old Manly Boat Shed, 40 The Corso, Manly: Saturday 12 December, 9pm – 12:30am 
• Rusti Fig, 3/363 Barrenjoey Road, Newport: Saturday 12 December, 9am – 10:30am
• Café Junior, Woolworths Neutral Bay Village, 1-7 Rangers Road, Neutral Bay: Sunday 13 December, 12:45pm – 2.30pm 
• BoThai, 16 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest: Sunday 13 December, 4:30pm – 5:30pm 
• Pearly Nails, 2/6 Waratah Street, Mona Vale: Monday 14 December, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
• Salon X, 86 William Street, Paddington: Wednesday 16 December, 9am – 6pm and Thursday 17 December, 9am – 8pm 
• Mona Vale Golf Club (bar and function room), 3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale: Wednesday 16 December, 5pm – 10pm 
• Garfish Seafood Restaurant, 39 East Esplanade, Manly: Thursday 17 December, 6:45pm – 8:30pm

Anyone who attended the following venues on the dates and times below is considered a casual contact and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Woolworths, Riverwood Plaza, 247 Belmore Road, Riverwood: Wednesday 9 December, 3pm – 3:35pm
• Nourished Wholefood Café, 17 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach: Saturday 12 December, 7.15am-7.30am
• Manly Wharf Bar, East Esplanade, Manly: Saturday 12 December, 2:45pm – 3:15pm 
• The Steyne Hotel, 75 The Corso, Manly: Saturday 12 December, 3pm – 3:30pm
• Cronulla Mall, 6 Cronulla Street Cronulla: Tuesday 15 December, 8pm – 9pm and Wednesday 16 December, 3pm – 6pm  
• Navy Bear Café, RAN Sailing Association, 1C New Beach Rd, Darling Point: Sunday 13 December, 10.30am – 4.45pm
• Restaurant Lovat, G04/316-324 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport: Saturday 12 December 2:15pm – 2:25pm and 4pm – 4:15pm
• Mona Vale Golf Club, 3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale: Wednesday 16 December, 11am – 5pm 

Times have been revised for the following hair salons, which were announced in previous Public Health Alerts. Anyone who was at the following venues at the following times is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• Salon for Hair, 3/1335 Pacific Highway, Turramurra: Any time from Tuesday 15 December to Friday 18 December inclusive
• Hair by Erika, 17/43 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove: Friday 11 December, 2:30pm – 4:30pm 

Advice published in a Public Health Alert regarding Warringah Mall has also been updated. Unless advised by NSW Health that they are close contacts, people who attended Warringah Mall on Wednesday 16 December between 11.40am and 1.30pm are considered casual contacts and should monitor for symptoms, and test and self-isolate if symptoms occur.

Given the challenges associated with reaching venues which are closed due to the Northern Beaches lockdown, NSW Health advises that some venues may be included in public health alerts and on the NSW Government website prior to NSW Health informing the venue directly. This is to ensure contacts can be notified as quickly as possible of any potential risk.

Confirmed cases travelled on the following transport services. Other passengers are considered to be casual contacts, and should get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Bus Route 199, Saturday 12 December, departing Newport Hotel, Kalinya Street, 7am arriving Avalon Beach, 7.15am
• Bus Route 199, Saturday 12 December, departing Avalon Beach 12.20am, arriving Newport Hotel, Kalinya Street, 12.45am

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received.

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Avalon 'Cluster' rises to 68

December 20, 2020: 11AM

NSW recorded 30 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these 30 new cases, 28 are directly linked to the original 'seeding' events at Avalon Beach RSL and Avalon Bowling Club on December 11th and 13th respectively, while the other 2 are residents of close-by suburbs.

Six cases were reported in overseas travellers. 

This brings the total number of cases in NSW since the start of the pandemic to 4,559. 

NSW Health is treating 69 COVID-19 cases. There are no cases in intensive care. Most cases (96 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

There were 28,210 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,374 in the previous 24 hours.

NSW Health advises that:

Of the 30 locally acquired cases reported today, 28 are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations are ongoing into the source of the remaining two cases, both of whom live on the Northern Beaches. There are now 68 cases associated with the Avalon cluster, the source of which remains under investigation.

NSW Health thanks the Northern Beaches community and those throughout Sydney for their excellent response to calls to get tested and for following public health advice. These actions are critical if we are to stop community transmission.

Due to the growing risk to the people of NSW from the evolving Avalon COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney from tonight to reduce the risk of further community transmission. From 11.59pm tonight: 

• Household gatherings will be limited to 10 visitors (until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December).
• The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor settings, including hospitality venues and places of worship.
• A cap of 300 people will apply for hospitality venues and places of worship.
• Singing and chanting performances in indoor venues will not be allowed.
• Dancefloors will not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the wedding party will be permitted.

People in the Greater Sydney area, including the Central Coast, Illawarra Shoalhaven and Nepean Blue Mountains regions, are also urged not to visit residential aged care facilities, disability services or vulnerable people unless it is critical. This advice will be re-assessed on Wednesday 23 December. 

People across the Greater Sydney are also advised to wear masks in indoor settings such as shops and hospitality venues, in line with advice already issued to those in the Northern Beaches. 

‘Stay at home’ orders in place for residents of the Northern Beaches local government area (LGA) will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December to control the spread of COVID-19. Further clear advice will be provided to the community before Christmas.

Under yesterday’s Public Health Order, all residents of the Northern Beaches LGA are required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons.

Acceptable reasons for leaving home include shopping for food and other essential goods and services; travelling to work or an educational institution if working or studying from home is not possible; exercising; seeking medical care; providing carer’s responsibilities and meeting compassionate needs. It is strongly recommended masks are worn when leaving isolation for these permitted reasons. 

Any residents of the Northern Beaches LGA who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020 must comply with the same restrictions that apply to the Northern Beaches, regardless of their current location.

Non-residents who have visited the Northern Beaches on or after Thursday 10 December should monitor closely for symptoms and get tested if any appear, no matter how mild. Anyone who visited the Northern Beaches since 10 December is also urged to check the NSW Government website for locations visited by confirmed cases and follow the associated health advice for the relevant venues if they have visited any of them: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. 

This Public Health Order also requires the closing of hospitality venues and function centres in the Northern Beaches LGA, with the exception of businesses offering takeaway food. Gyms and places of worship will also close. Further information on the Public Health Order is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/.../what-you-can.../northern-beaches 

Of the new cases to 8pm last night: 

• • 28 cases are locally acquired and linked to the Avalon cluster
• • Investigations are ongoing into the source of the remaining two cases, both of whom live on the Northern Beaches
• • Six were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited many locations throughout Sydney, including a number of venues outside of the Northern Beaches. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. This information is updated throughout the day as new locations are identified.

NSW Health has revised the advice related to an Avalon gym in light of further confirmed cases. Anyone who attended Anytime Fitness on Avalon Parade any day on or after Tuesday 8 December is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after they were last at the gym.

Anyone who attended the gym between Monday 23 November and Monday 7 December is advised to get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.  

There is also updated advice in relation to Avalon RSL Beach Club. Anyone who attended the club at the following dates and times is considered a close contact and is required to get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days: Monday 14 December, 5pm to 10.30pm; Tuesday 15 December, 12pm to 5pm, and Wednesday 16 December, 4pm-12am (midnight).

Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received.

• Sunset Diner, 41 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach: Friday 11 December, 6.30pm – 8pm 
• Anyone who attended the following venue at the below times is considered a casual contact and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:
• Café Relish, 8/1 N Avalon Rd, Avalon Beach: Thursday 17 December, 10.30am – 11.30am

• Fitness First Mona Vale, Pittwater Place Shopping Centre, 10 Park Street Mona Vale: Sunday 13 December, 2pm- 4pm and Monday 14 December, 10.30am – 12.30am and Wednesday 16 December, 8.30pm – 10pm 
• 4 Pines, Newport, 313 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport: Tuesday 15 December, 6pm – 10pm

• Customer service centres (online and phone available)
• Skate parks and playgrounds
• Community sporting activities in parks and reserves 
• Outdoor gyms 
• Manly and Warringah aquatic centres
• All community centres (apart from those being used as pop-up testing clinics)
• All libraries 
• Manly Art Gallery and Museum
• Creative Space in North Curl Curl
• Manly Visitor Information Centre
• Kimbriki Buy Back Centre and the Eco House & Garden
• Environmental centres and programs
• The Aboriginal Heritage Office in Freshwater
• Golf and tennis courts
• All beaches will not have red and yellow flags but are maintaining a surveillance capability only in case of emergencies

• 21 cases are locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster (Avalon)
• Two cases are local acquired with their source under investigation
• Seven were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine

• Route B1-1, 14 December, Departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd 6.55am, arriving Wynyard Station, York Street Stand M, 7.50am
• Route B1-2, 14 December 2020, Departing Wynyard Station Stand B 5.45pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.40pm
• Route B1-1, 15 December 2020, Departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd 6.35am, arriving Wynyard Station Stand M, 7.35am
• Route B1-2, 15 December 2020, Departing Wynyard Station Stand B 5.25pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.20pm
• Route B1-1, 16 December 2020, Departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd 6:50am, arriving Wynyard Station Stand M, 7.35am
• Route B1-2, 16 December 2020, Departing Wynyard Station Stand B 4.45pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 5.30pm

• Nick Scali at SuperCentre, 4/6 Niangala Cl, Belrose, 16 December, 10am -5.30pm

• Saturday 12 December
• Friday 11 December
• Tuesday 8 December
• Monday 7 December
• Sunday 6 December

• Cronulla Mall, 15 December, 8-9pm and 16 December 11am-12pm
• Westfield Bondi Junction, 15 December, 1-2.30pm

• If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.
• Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
• Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.

• Palm Beach female change rooms – Sunday, 13 December 9-9.15am
• Coast Palm Beach Café, Barren Joey Rd, Palm Beach – Sunday, 13 December 10 11am
• Hungry Goat Café, 20 Avalon Parade, Avalon – Sunday, 13 December, 9.30am-11am and Tuesday, 15 December 9.30-11am
• Sneaky Grind Café, 3/48 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 9.30-11am 
• Barramee Thai Massage and Spa, 4/42-44 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 2-3.30pm
• Bangkok Sidewalk Restaurant, 1/21-23 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December 7-8pm 
• Avalon Bowlo (bowling club), 4 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 5-7pm and Tuesday, 15 December 3-5pm

• Mona Vale Hospital, Gate 3 Coronation Street, Mona Vale – walk-in clinic – open 7.30am-5.30pm seven days a week
• North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology, 1416 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen – drive-through clinic – open 10am-2pm Monday-Friday