Coronavirus Blacktown: Locally acquired cases on the rise

The number of locally-acquired COVID-19 infections has more than doubled in the greater Blacktown region since last week as the NSW death toll continues to rise.

Paramedics at Blacktown Hospital as the number of infections across the regions passes 70. Picture: Bill Hearne

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Locally acquired coronavirus cases are on the rise in Blacktown City, with numbers doubling over the past week.

The latest NSW Health data shows there are now 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region with an unknown source of infection, an increase of six cases from the previous week.

As of 8pm on Tuesday night, the total number of confirmed cases in the Blacktown Local Government Area hit 72.

The area has the sixth highest number of confirmed cases of the virus across all local government areas in NSW.

Blacktown City also has the sixth-highest number of locally acquired cases when compared to all other NSW council areas.

NSW Health data shows there are now 72 confirmed COVID-19 cases across Blacktown City. Picture: Supplied

However, the latest figures represent a smaller increase than the previous 24 hours, when a further nine positive tests were confirmed.

NSW coronavirus cases rose by 150 overnight, bringing the state’s total to 2182.

Nine people have now died in NSW after having tested positive to COVID-19.

BLACKTOWN COUNCIL CHANGES

Meanwhile, Blacktown Council has enforced additional measures to help combat the virus, closing all sporting fields, community centres and the council’s customer information centre.

The closures includes senior citizens centres, however, Blacktown Meals on Wheels will continue to operate from the Blacktown Senior Citizens Centre.

The council’s administration centre on Flushcombe Rd is closed, but customer service inquiries will be maintained through the council’s website and over the phone.

Blacktown Council has closed its Flushcombe Rd administration centre, along with many facilities across the region. Picture: Kate Lockley

Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale said the changes were necessary in slowing the spread of the virus.

“These latest measures have been put in place to keep reinforcing the practice of social distancing which is so necessary in the fight to contain the spread of COVID-19 and is consistent with all existing closures and restrictions,” Mayor Bleasdale said.