NSW Health can advise there are now 28 cases associated with the Avalon cluster, with 25 are linked to either the Avalon RSL, the Avalon Bowlo, or both.
The links of two cases are under urgent investigation, and one case linked to the Avalon cluster has been reported in a NSW resident whose COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in Queensland. This case is reported as part of the Queensland numbers.
NSW recorded 15 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, plus one case in a returned traveller in hotel quarantine.
This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,493 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Ten new cases of COVID-19 have also been reported since 8pm, and will be reported in tomorrow’s numbers. NSW Health can report one additional case has been reported since 8pm last night in a NSW resident whose COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in Queensland. This case is reported as part of the Queensland numbers. The person is now in self-isolation on the Northern Beaches.
NSW Health can now confirm the viral genome sequencing of the Avalon COVID-19 cluster does not match the virus strains seen in recent clusters in Australia. The virus is likely of overseas origin. The source of infection is still being investigated.
The viral genome sequencing of the recent COVID-19 case who works as a driver transporting air crew from the airport to hotels also does not match the virus strains seen in recent clusters in Australia. This virus may be of United States origin and linked to international aircrew, however investigations are continuing. No confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been linked to this case.
