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AAP
AAP
Health
Tiffanie Turnbull

Virus tests plummet during NSW heatwave

NSW has recorded no new locally-transmitted coronavirus cases, but test numbers have plummeted. (AAP)

Health officials are urging more NSW residents to be swabbed for the coronavirus after testing numbers plummeted during the weekend's heatwave.

NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday recorded zero new locally-transmitted cases of the coronavirus, as well as nine cases in returned overseas travellers.

It marks the 23rd consecutive day of no new local COVID-19 cases in the state.

NSW Health said 6106 tests were conducted over the 24-hour period, which was a concern.

More than 10,000 people in NSW were tested on Saturday.

"With a drop in testing numbers over the weekend, NSW Health is again asking everyone to continue to come forward for testing if they have even the mildest symptoms that could signal COVID-19," Dr Jeremy McAnulty said on Monday.

"While NSW has had 23 days without a locally acquired case of COVID-19, there still may be transmission among people who have unrecognised infections with mild or no symptoms."

The benchmark for local elimination of COVID-19 is 28 consecutive days without a locally-acquired case, as has been reached in Victoria.

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