Mother of removalists becomes NSW's fifth death in current Covid-19 outbreak

NSW has recorded its fifth death linked to the latest outbreak, after the mother of infected removalists was found dead.

NSW has recorded its fifth death from the latest Covid outbreak after a woman understood to be a relative of twin removalists charged for allegedly working while infectious was found dead in Sydney’s southwest.

NSW Police said in a statement officers responded to a concern for welfare at a home on Thursday Place, Green Valley, at 9.15am on Monday where they found the body of a woman in her 50s.

NSW Health confirmed the woman was positive for Covid-19 and was a close contact of another case.

It is understood the woman, 57, was the mother of two of the removalists who travelled into regional NSW while infected.

Emergency services personnel wearing PPE at Thursday Place, Green Valley on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

“NSW Health today sadly reports the death of a woman in her 50s who was a confirmed Covid-19 case. She was a resident of southwestern Sydney and a close contact of a Covid case,” the department said.

“This is the 61st death in NSW related to Covid-19 and the fifth of the current outbreak.

“NSW Health extends its sincere sympathy to her family and friends.”

Police in PPE have roped off the street. They are investigating whether she too had COVID pic.twitter.com/9gnDmCq5la

— Laura Tunstall (@LauraTunstall9) July 19, 2021

It has been reported from the scene that police officers have worn personal protective equipment while inspecting the home.

Thursday Place has been cordoned off while emergency services remain on the scene.

“An investigation has commenced and a report will be prepared for the coroner,” NSW Police said.

Police announced on Saturday they had charged three removalists - two brothers aged 27 and a man aged 21 - after they allegedly travelled to western NSW despite knowing they had the virus.

The men have blamed the incident on a language barrier and believed they had followed health advice.

They say one of the men received their positive result when they were already in Orange.