Coronavirus infects Bondi backpackers, NSW cases surge to 533

NSW infections surge by 97 in a single day as Bondi parties emerges as possible virus hotspots.

Bondi backpackers have also emerged as an at-risk group, with officials identifying two parties where infections are believed to have been acquired. Picture: Supplied

NSW Health officials say there have been 97 new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in NSW overnight, marking another surge in daily infection rates across the state and the highest daily figure since tallying began several weeks ago.

There are now 533 confirmed cases of the virus in NSW, with 46 acquired locally without an identifiable source of the infection. Six people have died in the state, seven nationally.

Of the 533 cases identified, 251 have been confirmed as “overseas acquired”, health officials said. A further 131 cases are thought to have been contracted locally from a known contact with the infection. A further 105 remain under investigation.

In its latest briefing on transmissions of the virus, health officials said five cruise ships had been linked to COVID-19 cases, and revised up the number of people confirmed with coronavirus aboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship, which docked in Sydney on Thursday.

At the time, it had four confirmed cases of the virus. NSW Health now says the number has increased to 18 cases.

Backpackers have also emerged as an at-risk group, with officials identifying two parties where infections are believed to have been acquired.

The gatherings included Boogie Wonderland, which was held at The Bucket List in Bondi Beach on Sunday, March 15, and a party held at Club 77 in Darlinghurst from midnight on Sunday, March 15.

“People who attended these parties should be on alert for symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately isolate themselves if any symptoms develop,” a NSW Health statement said.

The 30-39 year age group accounts for 119 cases of the virus in NSW, statistics show, the most of any other bracket; those aged 20-29 account for 94 cases, while those aged 40-49 have registered 96 cases.

Officials said they have also identified a further two cases from the Sydney Church of Christ service held at the Ryde Civic Service centre on March 8, which was attended by 300 people. It takes the total number of people affected within that cluster to nine.

A childcare worker from Smeaton Grange Young Academics Child Care Centre has also been identified as another confirmed coronavirus case.

“All children and staff who attended the centre between March 2 and March 16 are considered close contacts and are being contacted and told to self-isolate,” the NSW Health statement said.

The centre has been closed until March 30.