New COVID test rules are having an immediate effect judging by numbers at the Sutherland Hospital clinic on Friday.
At various time during the morning, there were no more than 15-20 people waiting to be tested.
The end of the line was near the gate at the eastern end of the hospital grounds, compared with the situation earlier this week when the line stretched along Kingsway and into the main entrance driveway.
Meanwhile, the number of active COVID cases in Sutherland Shire has doubled in two days to nearly 4000.
NSW Health data revealed 3942 active cases as of 8pm on Thursday December 30, compared with 2002 on Tuesday December 28.
Active cases across the state also rose steeply.
There were nearly 21,000 new cases and six deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, compared with 12,226 the previous day.
There are 832 COVID-19 cases in hospital (compared with 746 cases a day earlier), with 69 people in intensive care, 19 of whom require ventilation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a further change to testing rules on Friday.
Confirmed COVID cases will no longer need to get a rapid antigen test on their sixth day they are quarantining, but will have to remain in isolation if they still have symptoms.
Mr Morrison said the change had been agreed to by government leaders following further consultation with chief medical and health officers.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government would immediately implement the new rules agreed to by National Cabinet, which are:
Positive COVID-19 case
- 7 days isolation commencing on the day of testing.
- Unless otherwise advised a person may leave isolation after 7 days without formal notification or a further test.
- People in this category must take precautions (mask etc) and avoid high risk settings, such as hospitals and aged care for a further 3 days.
Close contacts
Defined as: A household contact, or where more than four hours of exposure has occurred in a residential setting; and contacts in a setting where NSW Health has determined there to be a high level of transmission.
- 7 days isolation from the day of exposure, and obtain a PCR test as soon as possible.
- High risk settings, such as hospitals and aged care should be avoided for a further 7 days.
- A rapid antigen test (RAT) is required at Day 6 and, if positive, must be followed by a PCR test.
All other contacts
- Monitor for symptoms and if symptoms develop, undertake a PCR test.
If you have symptoms
- Obtain a PCR test if you have symptoms at any time.
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
