The number of active COVID cases in Sutherland Shire has increased by seven in a period of three days.
NSW Health data reveals 21 active cases in the shire up till 8pm last night (Thursday July 15), of which six have an unknown source.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant reiterated on Friday Sutherland Shire was an area of concern and called for higher test numbers.
Dr Chant said her "vision" for this weekend in Sydney was "very much stay at home".
"Do not leave the house unless it is absolutely critical to do so," she said.
NSW Health postcode figures, which are also up till July 15 but seemingly a little behind the local government area figures, show 18 active cases in the shire.
Four new cases have been diagnosed in three days in postcode 2224, which covers the Sylvania area, including Southgate shopping centre.
There is one new case in each of three postcodes - 2225 (Caravan Head, Oyster Bay), 2232 (Kareela, Kirrawee, Grays Pt, Sutherland, Woronora, Loftus) and 2233 (Engadine, Heathcote, Waterfall). Some cases have recovered.
NSW Health postcode figures up till July 15:
- 2224 (Sylvania, Sylvania Southgate, Kangaroo Point): 6
- 2225 (Caravan Head, Oyster Bay): 1
- 2226 (Bonnet Bay, Como, Jannali): 0
- 2227 (Gymea, Gymea Bay): 0
- 2228 (Miranda, Yowie Bay): 1
- 2229 (Caringbah, Caringbah South): 4
- 2230 (Cronulla, Burraneer, Bundeena): 0
- 2231 (Kurnell): 0
- 2232 (Kareela, Kirrawee, Grays Pt, Sutherland, Woronora, Loftus): 1
- 2233 (Engadine, Heathcote, Waterfall): 1
- 2234 (Menai, Bangor, Alfords Pt, Barden Ridge): 4
NSW recorded 97 new locally acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday night.
Dr Chant said on Friday the fact that that 29 of these cases were infectious in the community for two or more days in the community was "incredibly concerning".
"I can't stress to the community my absolute concern that we need to reduce our mobility and interactions with others if we are going to bring this situation under control and see a decline in cases infectious in the community.
"We need to remember the cases we are seeing today reflect transmissions which occurred four or five days ago, up to 14 days ago, so anywhere around you, you may have cases.
"Every time you leave the house this weekend, please consider that the person you may come in contact with has COVID.
"My vision for this weekend is very much a 'stay at home'. Do not leave the house unless it is absolutely critical to do so."
COVID alerts have been issued for specified times for a large number of shire venues.
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Murray Trembath
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
