Five people in NSW isolating after staying at Victorian quarantine hotel with COVID transmission

On Thursday morning, NSW Health advised that five people in NSW who had stayed at the Melbourne hotel at the time had been contacted. They were advised to get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were there regardless of the test result, and to test again at the end of that period.

“NSW Health is closely monitoring the situation in Victoria and will update its health advice accordingly,” the ministry said in a statement.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes and MP James Griffin at the opening of a new palliative care unit at Mona Vale hospital on Thursday.Credit:Nick Moir

“We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Victoria and other jurisdictions to ensure that appropriate public health measures are in place to protect the community.“

From early Thursday morning, NSW Health began screening passengers arriving on flights from Melbourne following the diagnosis of the quarantine worker.

They are also being asked if they have been to any of the venues of concern listed on the Victorian Department of Health website.

Anyone who has been in Melbourne since January 30 is urged to monitor the Victorian health website to check if they have attended a public exposure site. If they have, they should get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days since being there, regardless of the result.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said those people should not travel to NSW.

People who arrive in NSW from Victoria will also have to complete a passenger declaration. Those who provide false information are subject to an on-the-spot fine.

Anyone else in NSW who has recently been in Melbourne should continue to monitor the Victorian Health Department website for additional venues of concern and updated health advice.

On Thursday morning, NSW reported three COVID cases acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 4928.

There were a total of 10,551 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 11,816.

NSW Health is treating 50 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are 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.