Covid in the eastern suburbs: Updates and all you need to know

Everything residents of Sydney’s eastern suburbs need to know about the Covid-19 outbreak including daily updates, breaking news and health advice.

Rolling updates featuring all you need to know about Covid-19 in the eastern suburbs.

Monday July 12 @ 11am

NSW recorded 112 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

NSW Health is working with residents of an apartment block in the Eastern Suburbs where eight cases of COVID have been identified in recent days across five different households.

These cases reinforce the need for everyone to wear a face mask in a shared foyer or lobby, lifts, stairwells and corridors, and shared laundry facilities of apartment complexes. This advice applies to everyone, including residents, visitors, building managers, concierge staff, contractors, delivery drivers and cleaners.

Of the 112 locally acquired cases in NSW, 64 are linked to a known case or cluster – 41 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 48 cases remains under investigation.

Of the 112 locally acquired cases, 16 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD.

There have been 678 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported.

Four further cases have been recorded to 8pm last night linked to a gathering at the Meriton Suites Waterloo on Saturday 26 June. These cases were contacts of people who attended the gathering and bring the total number of cases linked to this venue to 50.

The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 2,703,690, with 1,053,060 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 1,650,630 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11.59pm on Saturday 10 July.

Friday July 9 @ 11.15am

NSW recorded 44 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Lockdown restrictions have now been tightened for Sydney.

There have now been 439 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster was reported.

There are now 285 cases directly linked to known cases in the Bondi cluster.

Of the 44 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 21 are from south-west Sydney, eight are from south-east Sydney and seven are from western Sydney. Transmission in these areas continues to be of great concern.

Four further cases have been recorded linked to a gathering at the Meriton Suites Waterloo on Saturday 26 June. These cases were contacts of people who attended the gathering and bring the total number of cases linked to this venue to 25.

One new case is linked to IKEA in Tempe on 6 July. Anyone who attended IKEA Tempe on 6 July from 10am – 9pm is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health.

NSW Health can advise that there are about 2,000 close contacts now linked to this exposure.

The rise in case numbers has prompted Premier Gladys Berejiklian to tighten restrictions for Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour from 5pm today:

• Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
• People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
• Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
• Funerals limited to ten people in total (this will take effect from Sunday, 11 July).

Ms Berejiklian said NSW is facing the “biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started”.

Thursday July 8 @ 11.15am

NSW recorded 38 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (July 7).

There are now 279 cases directly linked to known cases in the Bondi cluster.

Of the 38 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 21 are from south-western Sydney and transmission in this area continues to be of great concern.

Meanwhile, five further cases have been recorded to 8pm last night linked to a gathering at the Meriton Suites Waterloo on Saturday 26 June.

These cases were contacts of people who attended the gathering and bring the total number of cases linked to this venue to 21.

“Please avoid visiting family and friends because you are not allowed to,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today.

“When we talk about providing care or compassion, we are talking about one person visiting someone who might be isolated, dropping off essential services or goods.

“We are not talking about visiting extended family members, we’re not talking visiting friends. Data over the last few days shows this is how the virus is spreading.”

Wednesday July 7 @ 12.30pm

Randwick City Council’s public facilities will remain closed for another week following the State Government’s decision to extend the lockdown until 11.59pm on Friday, July 16.

The decision means council’s libraries, Customer Service Centre, Recycling Centre, Community Nursery, Des Renford Leisure Centre, La Perouse Museum and halls and community centres will keep their doors closed during that time.

Wednesday July 7 @ 11.30am

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed the extension of Greater Sydney's lockdown which will now end at 11.59pm on July 16.

Meanwhile, NSW has recorded 27 new Covid cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (July 6).

There are now 264 cases linked to the Bondi cluster.

Three of the cases are linked to a gathering at the Meriton Suites in Waterloo on June 26.

Seven people who attended the gathering have tested positive for COVID-19 and eight household contacts of these people have now also tested positive.

Anyone – including guests, staff and contractors – who was on any level of the Meriton Suites, 30 Danks Street, Waterloo, for any amount of time between 7pm on Saturday 26 June and 8am on Monday 5 July must immediately get tested and isolate until you receive further advice from NSW Health.

A subcontractor who worked at the Sydney Opera House over six days from July 1-6 also tested positive to Covid-19.

Friday July 2 @ 11:45am

NSW has recorded 31 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases overnight, with four cases linked to venues in the eastern suburbs.

Three new cases were linked to the Lyfe Cafe at Bondi Beach, taking the cluster number to 28. Seven people were infected while at the cafe, with 21 subsequent contacts.

A new infection was also linked to the Joh Bailey salon at Rose Bay, bringing the total number of cases connected to the venue to 14.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state recorded a record 73,602 tests to 8pm last night

“We’re anticipating there could be an increase over the next couple of days and then we should see the impact of the lockdown having a positive outcome.”

Ms Berejiklian urged everyone to adhere to lockdown public health orders and maintain vigilance.

“Stay at home means stay at home, don’t leave the house unless you absolutely have to,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you are an essential worker do not turn up to work if you have the mildest of symptoms.

“I also want to stress that if you are a close contact it means you can’t leave the house and it includes vaccination – if you need something please ring Health and they will get you everything you need, you should not be leaving the house.”

Friday July 2 @ 8.30am

A Covid alert has been issued for Des Renford Swimming Centre in Maroubra.

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended Des Renford Swimming Centre at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Maroubra: Des Renford Swimming Pool (all staff and patrons who attended the training pool or spent extended periods in the reception area) on Friday 25 June between 10.45am to 12.00pm

Des Renford Leisure Centre.

Anyone who attended the following venues in the eastern suburbs and southeast Syd at the times listed is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Please continue to monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate and get tested if they develop:

Maroubra: Des Renford Swimming Pool (all staff or patrons in the venue who were not in the training pool e.g. outdoor pool, gym, classes, or in the reception area for extended periods) on Friday 25 June between 10.45am to 12pm

Mascot: Domestic Terminal 2, Sydney Airport (Shiers Avenue) on Friday 25 June between 11.00am to 11.30am

Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed must monitor for symptoms, and if they appear, immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received:

Maroubra: Des Renford Swimming Pool (all staff or patrons at the venue) on Friday 25 June any time except between 10.45am and 12pm

Mascot: Domestic Terminal 2, Sydney Airport (Shiers Avenue) on Saturday 26 June between 10.30am to 11.00am and 3.00pm to 3.30pm

Thursday July 1 @ 11.20am

NSW has recorded 24 cases overnight. 17 of these cases are linked to previously confirmed cases and nine were in isolation throughout their infectious periods.

Three cases were in isolation for part of their infectious periods.

The premier also announced a new vaccination hub for the CBD.

“We will also be having a major additional hub in the Sydney CBD. So in addition to the 100 sites, in addition to the mass vaccination hub we have in Homebush which is proving to be a great success, there will be one in Hunter, in Wollongong, Illawarra, in Macquarie Fields, Pitt St in addition to the 100 sites across the state,” she said.

Anyone who attended these venues at the following dates and times is a close contact and must get tested and isolate immediately.

Bondi Junction – Gusto Espresso Bar Cafe, 14/157-165 Oxford Street. 7am to 7.50am on Friday 25 June

Maroubra – Fitness First Maroubra, 737 Anzac Parade. 8.40am to 9.10am on Thursday 24 June

CBD – H&M Glasshouse Building, 135 King Street. 10.45am to 11.45am on Monday 21 June.

Meanwhile the children of Paddington are keeping themselves occupied during lockdown by going on a socially distanced bear hunt. Locals are encouraged to pop a teddy in the windows of their home for little ones to spot.

Wednesday June 30 @ 5.30pm

Following an extraordinary meeting last night, Waverley Council has agreed to another round of business and community support measures to help local businesses during the lockdown.

The measures include fee waivers along, childcare fee relief at council run centres and the postponement of scheduled fee increases.

The business financial relief covers suspension of footpath seating fees as businesses are unable to provide customer seating on footpaths under the current restrictions.

Fees for sporting groups and venue hirers have been waived for the duration of the stay-at-home orders while commercial waste fees and charges have also been reduced due to reduced service level requirements.

Non-financial measures to ease business burden include: relaxed enforcement of conditions of consent for restaurants to enable trade as takeaway-only services; the continuation of Council’s capital works program to support employment in the construction sector and procurement from local suppliers when possible.

Mayor Paula Masselos says “This business support package is scheduled for one month initially as NSW works hard to get on top of this outbreak. We are monitoring the situation closely and are hoping for recovery more quickly than in previous lockdowns.

“The childcare fee increase delay was supported by Council although this is subject to a 28-day exhibition period.”

Wednesday June 30 @ 2.30pm

NSW Health has been notified of a number of new venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venue at the time listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Matraville: Bunnerong Gymnastics (441 Bunnerong Rd) on Wednesday June 23 from 4pm to 5pm

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Please continue to monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate and get tested if they develop:

Bondi Beach: Australia Post Office (31 Hall St) on Monday June 21 from 2pm to 2.30pm

North Bondi: Bill Scott’s Butchery (50 Blair St) on Tuesday June 22 from 3.45pm to 4.15pm

Matraville: Bunnerong Gymnastics (441 Bunnerong Rd) on Wednesday June 23 from 3.30pm to 4pm and 5pm to 5.30pm

Bondi Junction: Harvey Norman (Westfield Bondi Junction) on Friday June 25 from 11am to 11.40am

Rose Bay: Chargrill Charlie’s (2/779 New South Head Rd) on Sunday June 27 from 10.50am to 11.05am

Randwick: Rebel Sports (Royal Randwick Shopping Centre) on Wednesday June 23 from 3.45pm to 4.15pm

Bondi Junction: Jaycar Bondi Junction (125 Bronte Rd) on Thursday June 24 from 3.30pm to 3.40pm

Eastgardens: Kathmandu (152 Bunnerong Rd) on Wednesday June 23 from 11.15am to 11.25am

Maroubra: Pacific Square Shopping Centre on Thursday June 24 from 8.30am to 9.10am

Wednesday June 30 @ 11.20am

NSW has recorded 22 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, all of which are linked to previously confirmed cases.

There are now 160 cases linked to the Bondi cluster.

There were 68,220 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 67,000.

There were no new cases linked to Lyfe Cafe Bondi Beach.

Anyone who attended the following venues in the eastern suburbs at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Paddington: Christo’s Pizzeria (224 Glenmore Road) on Monday 21 June between 5.55pm to 8:30pm

Kensington: Doncaster Hotel (268 Anzac Parade) on Wednesday 23 June between 5.45pm – 8pm

Bondi: Lyfe Cafe Bondi Beach (2/154 Glenayr Avenue) on Wednesday 16 June between 12:30pm to 2:15pm; from Friday 18 June to Saturday 19 June; and from Tuesday 22 June to Thursday 24 June.

Double Bay: Joh Bailey (7 Knox Street) on Tuesday 15 June to Wednesday 23 June

Meanwhile, anyone who was at Westfield Bondi Junction, including the car parks, from 12 June to 18 June must get tested for COVID-19.

Wednesday June 30 @ 9.30am

New exposure venues were released overnight.

Anyone who was at the following venues at the respective dates and times is a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, and call 1800 943 553.

Bondi Junction — Fitness First Gym, 110 Spring Street, Friday 25 June 6.20am – 7.10am

Sydney — Uniqlo, Mid City Centre, Level 1, 197 Pitt Street Mall, Monday 21 June, 10.15am – 11.15am

Zetland — MaLa Tang Restaurant, East Village Shopping Centre, 4 Defries Avenue, Monday 21 June, 6.15pm – 7.15pm and Thursday 24 June, 6pm – 7.15pm

Bondi Junction — Gusto Espresso Bar café, 14/157-165 Oxford Street, Friday 25 June, 6.45am – 7.25am

Botany — One Drop Brewing Co, 5 Erith Street, Friday 25 June, 7.45pm – 10pm

If you were at the following venues at the nominated times you are a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.

Bondi Junction — Five Star Hot Food and Sushi Bar, Bronka Arcade, 157-165 Oxford Street, Tuesday 22 June, 1.30pm – 2pm

Rose Bay — Coles Rose Bay, 694 Old South Head Road, Friday 25 June, 7am – 7.30am

and Saturday 26 June, 3.25pm – 3.35pm

Rose Bay — Bake Bar Rose Bay, 554 Old South Head Road, Saturday 26 June, 1.15pm – 1.25pm

Prof Kerryn Phelps. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

Meanwhile, former Australian Medical Association president and prominent eastern suburbs doctor, Kerryn Phelps has teed off at Scott Morrison over his changing advice regarding vaccines.

“Like most of my colleagues I have spent a large part of the day trying to make sense of Scott Morrison’s announcement about people under 40 now having access to AstraZeneca vaccine on request, and to speak to their doctors about this,” Dr Phelps wrote on her public Facebook page.

“Yet again (as) GPs we’re blindsided by a government announcement about COVID-19 vaccines.

“The AMA refused to endorse the Government’s announcement. Why? Because doctors are expected to follow expert medical advice. That advice from ATAGI, based on best available evidence, has recommended Pfizer vaccine is preferred for anyone under 60.

“So as GP clinics again had to cope with a deluge of calls, this time from young people wanting to book appointments for AstraZeneca vaccines, we had to check the details of the yet-to-be-finalised indemnity for GPs in the event that a patient were to have a serious adverse reaction like a catastrophic blood clot if they were in the age group where Pfizer was the recommended vaccine.”

Dr Phelps, a City of Sydney councillor and former Member for Wentworth, said she was further concerned to hear this was a decision not made in national cabinet.

“The only explanation is that this is an attempt to do something about the shambles of a vaccine rollout that is now an international embarrassment,” Dr Phelps wrote.

“ There is stock of unused AstraZeneca vaccine and so little supply of Pfizer vaccine that it is just not possible to get vaccination rates up to respectable levels any time soon without going against expert advice.

“Doctors need to know exactly how many doses of Pfizer are in the country now? What are the exact timelines for delivery of Pfizer vaccines so that we can continue to provide the highest quality advice to patients? How long will patients really have to wait?

“Without this information we cannot provide truly informed consent.”

Tuesday June 29 @ 4.30pm

NSW Health has been notified of further venues of concern in the eastern suburbs associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has expanded the times for a close contact venue.

Anyone who attended at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Bondi Junction: Pattison’s Patisserie (Westfield Bondi Junction level 1) on Monday June 21 between 2pm and 2.30pm

Kensington: 7 Eleven (Todman Ave/Anzac Pde) on Tuesday June 22 between 12.50pm and 1.10pm

Rose Bay: Domino’s Pizza (27 O’Connell St) on Wednesday 23 June between 6pm to 9.40pm

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times isa casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Please continue to monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate and get tested if they develop:

Bondi Beach: Oporto (152-162 Campbell Pde) on Friday June 25 between 10.45am and 10.55am

Eastgardens: Woolworths (Westfield Eastgardens) on Friday June 25 between noon and 12.30pm

Eastgardens: Big W (Westfield Eastgardens) on Friday June 25 between noon and 12.50pm

Eastgardens: Kmart (Westfield Eastgardens) on Friday June 25 between 12.55pm and 1.15pm

Eastgardens: Reject Shop (Westfield Eastgardens) on Friday June 25 between 1.15pm and 1.30pm

Eastgardens: Level 2 Food Court (Westfield Eastgardens) on Friday 25 June between 1.30pm and 2.15pm

Eastgardens: Level 3 Children’s Play Area next to Woolies (Westfield Eastgardens) on Friday June 25 between 2pm and 2.25pm

Double Bay: Woolworths (Kiaora Lane) on Saturday June 26 between 7pm and 8.15pm

Tuesday June 29 @ 1pm

State government have officially announced a relief package for businesses impacted by the lockdown.

Meanwhile the Dine and Discover Voucher scheme has now been extended until August 31.

“The package is particularly well targeted and will start to hit the accounts of business owners from next month,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.

“Business NSW has been working with the Government on this initiative since the lockdown was confirmed on Saturday, and by using the real experiences of our members, we were able to demonstrate the widespread need for a quick turnaround for this package,” Mr Hunter said.

“It’s often easy to sit back and criticise the Government but when they act quickly and for the benefit of business owners and their employees, they rightly deserve credit.

“This will be one of the fastest and largest business support packages from any state in Australia in response to the pandemic.”

Small businesses of 20 or fewer employees including sole traders, will be eligible for grants of either $5000, $7000 or $10,000, depending on the nature of the loss in turnover they can demonstrate.

A tourism or hospitality related business can claim the grants if its turnover is less than $10 million each year.

“In simple terms, non-Payroll Tax paying businesses who have suffered as a result of the lockdown can access a grant and have that in their account by mid to late July,” Mr Hunter said.

“This package is based on what was used on the Northern Beaches following the shutdown over Christmas and takes into account feedback from the Small Business Commissioner, impacted businesses and local chambers of commerce.

“This will provide enormous relief to business owners who’ve suffered so much over the past 15 months and were slowly starting to bounce back. This latest development has been a hammer blow to them and their confidence, but at least they know some support is on its way.

“They’ll take great comfort in knowing that some bills will be able to be paid by accessing these grants as soon as they become available.”

Larger businesses haven’t been ignored either, with a number of State Government taxes and charges deferred, with payments due later in the year.

Tuesday, June 29 @ 12.15pm

The line at the generally busy drive through Covid testing clinic at Bondi Beach are very short at present, if thinking of ducking out for a test.

The Bondi drive through clinic.

Tuesday, June 29 @ 11.45pm

NSW has recorded 19 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (June 28).

There are now 141 cases linked to the Bondi cluster where the outbreak began.

Today’s cases include a Rose Bay Secondary School student. The school site will be closed today for cleaning. All staff and students have been asked to self-isolate until they receive further advice.

There has been a case of Covid at Rose Bay Secondary School.

Another case works as a member of the Out of School Hours service at Bellevue Hill Public School.

This case has not had any close contact with staff or students while infectious.

NSW Health is reminding the public of its advice for a number of key venues of concern across Sydney.

Anyone who attended the following eastern suburbs venues at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Kensington: Doncaster Hotel (268 Anzac Parade) on Wednesday 23 June between 5.45pm and 8pm.

Bondi: Lyfe Cafe Bondi Beach (2/154 Glenayr Avenue) on Wednesday 16 June between 12.30pm and 2.15pm, from Friday 18 June to Saturday June 19, and from Tuesday June 22 to Thursday June 24.

Double Bay: Joh Bailey (7 Knox St) on Tuesday 15 June to Wed 23 June

Bondi: The Royal Bondi (283 Bondi Rd) on Sunday June 20 between 7.50pm and 9.30pm, and Saturday June 19 between 5pm and 6.30pm

Tuesday, June 29 @ 10.30am

Three eastern suburbs mayors have banded together across political lines with a plea to state government to save small businesses.

Labor mayors Paula Masselos of Waverley and Danny Said of Randwick joined with the Liberal party’s Susan Wynne of Woollahra to urgently call for a business hardship grant for local businesses impacted by the lockdown.

Northern beaches businesses impacted by their lockdown were allocated grants of $3000 if they could prove a 30 per cent loss in trade with $5000 if they experienced a 50 per cent downturn. An eastern suburbs package has not yet been announced but there are hopes it could be unveiled as early as this morning.

Meanwhile, the legends at The Taphouse in Darlinghurst are dishing up free meals and booze for all hospo workers who have been impacted by the latest Sydney lockdown – no questions asked.

If you’re a hospitality worker who is struggling financially due to the pandemic, all you need to do to get your hands on a free meal and a cheeky shot of bourbon is head down to The Taphouse and request one of their ‘hospo meals’.

The big hearted crew at The Taphouse are offering free meals to struggling hospo workers.

The generous deal includes a house crumbed chicken schnitzel with gravy, chips, seeded salad, or a vegetarian pasta puttanesca with onion, garlic, a little chilli, sun dried tomato, olives, capers and parmesan.

The offer will be up for grabs throughout the duration of the lockdown and there’s a maximum of one meal plus one shot, per person, per day.

Tuesday, June 29 @ 9.30am

NSW Health has advised new venues of concern in the eastern suburbs associated with confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Anyone who attended at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Bondi Junction: Specsavers Bondi (Eastgate Shopping Centre) on Saturday, June 26 between 3.50pm – 5pm.

Bondi Beach: McDonald’s (164 Campbell Parade) on Friday, 25 June between 11:30am – 12:00pm.

Randwick: A Man and His Monkey Cafe (149 Clovelly Road) on Sunday 20 June between 1pm – 2:30pm.

Healthcare workers in Bondi Beach. Picture: James Gourley

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Please continue to monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate and get tested if they develop:

Mascot: Meriton Suites Hotel (200 Coward Street) on Saturday 19 June all day and Monday 21 June all day

Double Bay: The Good Filo Express Double Bay (Shop 5/10 Cross Street) on Monday 21 June between 7:30am – 8am

Bondi Beach: Organic Republic Bakery (100 Glenayr Ave) on Sunday 20 June between 9am – 10am and Monday 21 June between 8:30am – 9:30am and Thursday 24 June between 8:30am – 9:30am

Rose Bay: Domino’s Pizza Rose Bay (512 Old South Head Road) on Friday 26 June between 1:25pm – 1:40pm

Monday, June 28

NSW Health has advised new venues of concern in and near the eastern suburbs associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following venue at the time listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health:

Rosebery: Black and Gold Espresso (29-33 Epsom Rd) on Friday, June 25 between 10.50am and 11.20am.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received:

Pagewood: Shell Coles Express (297-299 Bunnerong Rd) on Wednesday, June 23 between 11am and 11.30am.

Hillsdale: Bunnings Eastgardens (140-148 Denison St) on Friday, June 25 between 4pm and 4.30pm.

Alexandria: Coles Express (562-572 Botany Rd) on Saturday, June 26 between 9.45m and 10.30am.

Monday, June 28

More cases of Covid-19 have been discovered in schoolchildren after two schools in Sydney’s eastern suburbs reported positive cases among students.

There has been four positive cases in students at South Coogee Public School with parents notified on Friday of the first two cases then again on Sunday of an additional two cases.

A positive case has also been confirmed in a student at nearby Emanuel School in Randwick, who is a close contact to another case linked to the growing Bondi cluster.

South Coogee Public School.

A NSW Department of Education spokesman confirmed the additional two cases at South Coogee Public were “close contacts of the two previously reported cases at the school”.

“It brings the total number of students at South Coogee Public School with confirmed positive tests to four.

“Based on the additional cases and because there are a number of interactions between children in different year groups NSW Health has updated its advice.

“All students (at the school) are now close contacts and must have been tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of a negative test result.”

Emanuel School in Randwick. Picture: John Grainger

Emanuel School principal Andrew Watt, in a message to parents on Sunday, advised their school community of isolation instructions following the positive case.

“Our school site will be non-operational on Monday 28 June 2021 to allow time for contact tracing and cleaning,” the message read.

“All secondary staff and students are asked to self-isolate until you receive further advice.

“All primary staff and students should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms develop, be tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.”

The news comes as public schools close for the holidays which officially begin today (June 28) in a move that will be welcomed by health authorities.

A Year 3 student at St Charles Catholic School in Waverley was also diagnosed with Covid-19 early last week which led to the school being shut.

Monday, June 28

NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (June 27).

Fifteen of those cases were linked to the Bondi cluster.

There are now 124 cases linked to the Bondi cluster, which is the source of the current NSW Covid-19 outbreak following the discovery of the first case on June 16.