Coronavirus NSW: No new COVID-19 cases, Premier announces
NSW has recorded no new COVID-19 cases in the past day, with Gladys Berejiklian declaring the result a “first, since we started records.” But the Premier warned residents of a sharp spike in infections when restrictions ease on Friday.
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NSW recorded no new COVID-19 cases in the 24-hours to 8pm last night, in what the Premier has called a “first … since we started taking records”.
Gladys Berejiklian said the groundbreaking result came from more than 6,000 tests – those numbers were slightly lower than normal because of the weekend.
“It’s really pleasing to see we had no new cases … which is great news,” NSW Health’s Jeremy McAnulty said.
“But we know the virus will be bubbling around in the community, so we can’t get complacent.”
In promising signs the curve of infections in NSW has started to nosedive, no new COVID-19 infections have been recorded for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
The news marks the first time the infection rate has hit zero since the pandemic began late last year.
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The positive news comes as the premier warns NSW residents there will be a sharp spike in infections as restrictions are lifted — urging people not to be complacent.
“As we ease restrictions there is no doubt the number of cases will increase. We should measure our success by making sure we have a good level of economic activity or normality whilst a manageable rate of case numbers.”
With the flu season ahead, Ms Berejiklian called on people to get swabbed for the deadly disease, even if their symptoms mirror a cold or flu.
“Please assume you have coronavirus, don’t assume it’s a cold or flu. We desperately need to maintain a high level of testing.”
New jobs plan for western Sydney
Mount Druitt in Sydney’s west will be the first suburb to be transformed as part of the government’s new planning acceleration program.
A 24-hectare retail district near the local train station will be fast-tracked in a bid to stimulate employment in the area.
The development will feature buildings with heights of up to 80 metres.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes says the project will stimulate 15,000 jobs – almost 3,000 of which will be in construction alone.
“This proposal alone will unlock 1.5 billion dollars in capital investment over next few years.”
The project is the first to be given the green light as part of the government’s Planning System Acceleration Program which will see a string of powerhouse projects given the go-ahead in a bid to revitalise local economies.
More growth destinations will be announced in coming weeks, Mr Stokes said.
“This is just the beginning, we will work through the remainder of 24 fast-tracked projects and then we will announce the next tranche of projects to support jobs, investment and the economy through the pandemic.”
Originally published as Coronavirus NSW: No new COVID-19 cases, Premier announces