Sydneysiders may be allowed to visit nursing homes for Father’s Day if the coronavirus cluster in the CBD remains under control, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says.
NSW recorded 10 new cases of COVID-19 on the last day of winter, with six of those travellers in hotel quarantine and four linked to the CBD cluster.
The cluster associated with the City Tattersalls gym has now reached 34 cases.
Ms Berejiklian said if the cluster stays contained she may reconsider the ban on visits to Sydney and Central Coast nursing homes in time for Sunday.
“We will update the aged care advice later in the week ahead of Father’s Day and may be able to ease restrictions on aged care,” she told reporters on Monday.
“We are not out of the woods in relation to that cluster, but it’s pleasing to know our fears about the CBD cluster have not yet materialised, in that it’s being contained.”
A Sydney bus route, gym and pub are the latest to be subject to urgent public health warnings related to the CBD cluster.
Commuters who boarded the same Sydney bus as two confirmed COVID-19 cases have been told to immediately self-isolate. Passengers on the X39 bus that left the CBD at 6.08pm on August 20 and arrived in Randwick at 6.40pm are considered close contacts.
There were 14 people on the bus, with 13 of those traced.
Six COVID-19 patients in NSW remain in intensive care, with four ventilated, but the premier is pleased with how the state has faired through winter.
“Now that the warmer weather is upon us, can I please ask everybody to think about their activities when they’re outdoors,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Enjoying the sun is a healthy experience, just make sure you keep your social distance.”
Australian Associated Press