CORONAVIRUS CASES IN NSW REMAIN STEADY AHEAD OF EASTER BUT PREMIER CALLS FOR VIGILENCE

While cases of COVID-19 appear to be stabilising in New South Wales, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged everyone to stay at home this Easter long weekend.

49 new cases were detected overnight, 8 less than yesterday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,686.

There were 3 new deaths overnight, including two 90-year-old men from Sydney and one 87-year-old woman, who was a passenger on the Ruby Princess cruise ship.

While the rate of positive cases is dropping, the number of cases acquired through the community continues to rise.

So far there are 406 cases of COVID-19 in New South Wales which are not able to be traced to a known source of infection.

“That for us is a huge danger point in New South Wales,” said the Premier, “and it’s what is causing us the most level of concern.”

“And that’s why it’s important for all of us no matter what we do, no matter what circumstances we’re in, we must stick to the rules.”

With the Easter long weekend approaching, city dwellers are being told to stay in their primary residence and avoid their holiday homes.

 “I know its doing to be difficult for a lot of people,” said the Premier.

“A lot of us had our hearts sold on going on holidays or doing something we’d normally do at Easter but we can’t this year.”

Those caught flouting social distancing rules can face fines of up to $1000.

As cases of community transmission continue to rise, New South Wales Health is ramping up coronavirus testing.

 The state’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said that people with flu-like symptoms in areas of Lake Macquarie, Manning, Byron Bay and Port Macquarie should now be tested for coronavirus.

“In those areas we have seen a case, or cases, of local transmission where we haven’t been able to find the source.”

“So its important that as we try to suppress COVID-19 in the community that we raise testing levels.”

Drive through COVID-19 testing clinics are in operation all over the state, it’s important to phone ahead before you visit.