New South Wales has recorded 28 consecutive days without a locally acquired coronavirus case – the state’s longest stretch with no community transmission since the pandemic first broke out.
Two cases were recorded in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Saturday, out of 16,302 tests.
The previous record without a locally-acquired case was 26 days, between 6 November and 2 December.
NSW Health hailed the milestone as “pleasing” news for the state, but warned people not to get complacent.
“While this milestone is pleasing, it does not mean we can drop our guard,” the statement said.
“Cases are present in other states and are regularly being detected among international travellers arriving from overseas.
“It is therefore vital that we continue to follow public health advice and continue to maintain social distancing and good hygiene, wear masks on public transport, and come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.”
It comes as Victoria battles a growing coronavirus cluster, with the Holiday Inn outbreak now sitting at 16 cases.
There are two new locally acquired COVID-19 infections linked to the cluster that has plunged Victoria into a five-day lockdown.
Health Minister Martin Foley confirmed both new locally acquired cases reported on Sunday were connected to the outbreak at the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel at Melbourne Airport.
They are a three-year-old child and woman from separate households who visited a private family function on Sydney Road, Coburg on 6 February that was also attended by a COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria worker at the airport hotel.
NSW health authorities are continuing to advise against non-essential travel to Victoria, and anyone entering NSW from Victoria since 11.59pm on 12 February must stay at home for five days.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.
