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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Natalie Croxon

Drop in testing numbers concerns NSW health authorities

NSW has recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, but a drop in testing numbers has prompted health authorities to reiterate the importance of getting tested.

Deputy chief health officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty said 8773 tests were recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday, down from more than 12,700 the previous day.

"The drop in daily testing numbers is of concern, and NSW Health renews its calls for people to get tested if they are experiencing even the mildest of symptoms," Dr McAnulty said.

"High testing rates are critical to our efforts to identify COVID-19 cases and to prevent it from spreading further."

There are more than 350 testing clinics across the state, details of which are available at the NSW Health website.

In the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday, there were eight cases of COVID-19 detected in overseas travellers.

To date, 4885 people have tested positive to the virus since the beginning of the pandemic.

NSW Health is treating 97 people for COVID-19, one of whom is receiving intensive care.

Dr McAnulty said whole genomic sequencing suggested the seven new cases of COVID-19 reported at the weekend were linked to the Berala cluster.

Meanwhile, the Victorian government has reclassified Wollongong and most local government areas in Greater Sydney as 'orange zones', effective 6pm on Monday.

This means people in these areas can apply for a permit to travel into Victoria.

Under the current rules, travellers to Victoria from an orange zone are required to self-isolate, get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arrival, and quarantine until they receive a negative result.

NSW residents are encouraged to monitor the NSW Health website for locations of concern and affected public transport routes.

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This story Drop in testing numbers concerns NSW health authorities first appeared on Illawarra Mercury.
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