Question reveals why Sydney’s northern beaches cluster is so dangerous

One key question surrounding the northern beaches coronavirus cluster has revealed the massive risk facing the state as cases soar.

Authorities are scambling to trace the origins of Sydney’s northern beaches cluster, leaving the state at risk of an explosion of new cases.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning in the wake of the outbreak, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said authorities still did not know what sparked the cluster, and explained exactly why that posed such a threat.

“I also highlight to the community that it is critical people do not just focus on the risk accruing in Avalon or any areas of the northern beaches,” Dr Chant explained.

“At this point, we don’t know how the spread occurred sothere is some missing people there. “Those missing people, whether one, two, could have set up other chains of transmission.

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NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said authorities still did not know how the outbreak has spread. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

“This means we need high testing rates across the state of NSW. You can see how explosive this can be.”

Dr Chant said the huge numbers of people who had already fronted up for testing in the area had helped NSW Health catch many cases already.

“We tell you one day that there are a few cases, and by the time we had the great turnout from the community and tested a whole lot, we are now at a total of 28. If that had not been detected, you can imagine a few days later that we would be announcing very high numbers,” she said.

“The thing I would urge the community across the state is to come out for testing. Also recognise the high-risk sort of activities.“

RELATED: Sydney’s virus outbreak spreads south

Huge numbers have already come forward for testing. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Dr Chant was then asked by a reporter just how serious the cluster was compared with others after 28 cases were recorded in 36 hours.

“My anxiety is that we haven’t found the direct transmission route and can’t ensure we have locked every transmission line,” she said.

“We need to also get the message out that everyone across the state at this point in time is to take this matter very seriously, present for testing anywhere, and making sure you don’t go out and about if sick.

“Think about the risks and environments and take repetitive actions like wearing masks when he can’t socially distance.

Dr Chant said NSW Health would monitor the situation very closely and did not rule out a future public health order to force people to follow rules and isolate.