Coronavirus cases in NSW near 270

By | March 18, 2020

NSW COVID-19 cases jumped to almost 270 on Wednesday as a fifth person in the state was revealed to have died, taking the national toll to six.

NSW Health says an 86-year-old man previously confirmed to have COVID-19 died on Tuesday night in a Sydney hospital.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant on Wednesday said there were 267 confirmed coronavirus cases in NSW up from 210. More than 25,000 tests have been conducted.

Dr Chant attributed the rise to an influx of Australians returning from overseas as citizens around the world return to their home countries.

Also on Wednesday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard signed an emergency order banning non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people under new national measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The state’s schools will remain open but there’ll be no assemblies, with strict bans on sick students and teachers. Regular hand washing will be enforced.

Ms Berejiklian says there’s “no rationale” for closing schools, with health experts advising they should remain open.

“We would hope any school considering acting alone on this reconsider,” the premier told reporters.

Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo and the Sydney Film Festival are among events cancelled or postponed this week.

NSW Police, meanwhile, is halting major roadside drug and alcohol testing operations over hygiene concerns.

Officers will continue to conduct mobile breath testing and there will be an increased police presence around hospitals and shopping centres.

Australian Associated Press

Western Advocate – Health