Another NSW coronavirus death brings state toll to 22
NSW police have issued nearly $50,000 worth of coronavirus fines in 24 hours during a pre-Easter long weekend blitz, with a 69-year-old man dying from the illness overnight.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police have issued nearly $50,000 in coronavirus fines in a day with health authorities urging people to stay at home this Easter long weekend.
The state’s COVID-19 death toll has risen to 22 after an elderly man died overnight, with 49 new cases across the state compared to 39 the previous day.
On Friday NSW Police confirmed almost 50 people have been slapped with $1,000 fines over the past 24 hours across the state.
“These people need to be sent a very clear message that it won’t be tolerated,” NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said on Friday.
He warned that drivers caught on the road this holiday period without a valid excuse could cop a fine, but said many in the community seem to be getting the message.
“The movement of people with caravans and holiday-makers with surfboards and camping gear – it is almost non-existent,” he said.
A 69-year-old man died from the virus at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle on Thursday, Health Minister Brad Hazzard confirmed.
“These are not just numbers, these are people whose families will be missing them today,” he said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the victim contracted the disease locally, most likely on a recent trip to Queensland.
“Obviously we are watching locally acquired cases … they raise a major concern,” she said.
Dr Chant said at this stage she had no information indicating the death of the latest NSW coronavirus victim was connected to passengers from the notorious Ruby Princess cruise ship, which has become the single biggest source of coronavirus infections in Australia.
Some 2,7000 people disembarked from the vessel last month without adequate checks, and it is now docked at Port Kembla where eight crew members have tested positive.
Dr Chant said swab results from 88 other staff who had flu-like symptoms are expected to come back later on Friday.
Of the 2,822 confirmed coronavirus cases in NSW, there are 211 people in hospital, 29 in intensive care, 23 on ventilators and one is having their organs oxygenated.
In late March NSW recorded its highest 24-hour increase with 212 new coronavirus infections, and the new figures suggest efforts to flatten the curve of infection are working.
Mr Hazzard said Australians can help save lives over the public holiday with their social distancing decisions, reminding the community not to attend church or religious services in person.
He said people must stay inside to help slow the spread of the deadly disease to ease pressure on the healthcare system.
Health Services Union state secretary Gerard Hayes welcomed the announcement of $5,000 fines for people who spit and cough on frontline workers.
“If anybody out there thinks it’s funny, thinks it’s some kind of rite of passage, to either spit at a health worker or cough on them to make them feel vulnerable, you’re a coward,” he said.
“This society, NSW, won’t tolerate it.”
Mr Hazzard said the unprecedented measures reflect “community disgust.”
“I cant remember any fine like this in the past history where a police officer can hand over a $5,000 fine on the spot,” he said.
“If I had my choice, I would be locking them up.”
Mr Hazzard praised the tens of thousands of doctors and nurses who have answered a call to arms to come out of retirement and fight the pandemic across Australia.
Some 4,444 people have been tested across NSW in the past 24 hours, up from 3906 the day before.
Dr Chant also provided an update after a health worker infected with coronavirus unknowingly led to 12 confirmed cases at a Gosford Hospital ward.
“That ward was actually closed for a very short period of a couple of hours which allowed that high level cleaning,” she said.
“As part of the additional contact tracing we identified all family members of the confirmed cases, they’ve been identified and isolated.”
Originally published as Another NSW coronavirus death brings state toll to 22