“The number of cases in one day is a sobering reminder of what this virus can do.
“Our particular concern is to make sure residents of the northern beaches don’t run the risk of seeding other areas across Sydney in their normal daily travels.
“We also need them to as far as possible stay at home, try and restrict to normal family groups and get tested if you have any symptoms whatsoever.”
Mr Hazzard said some cases detected on Thursday were in people who had very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
“Don’t hesitate. Get out and get tested with the slightest possible symptoms. Even if you’re feeling just a bit tired,” he said.
His personal advice to residents was to wear a mask.
“Seventeen cases is an indicator that we have an issue we have to resolve. We need a little time and we need the help we usually get from residents on the beaches. That involves not leaving the beaches if you can humanly stay on the beaches and preferably stay at home,” he said.
