New South Wales has hit a milestone of no locally acquired virus cases in 28 days

NSW has hit 28 days of no new locally acquired coronavirus cases — a major milestone following Sydney’s cluster outbreaks in December.

NSW has hit a coronavirus milestone. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

New South Wales has hit 28 days of no new locally acquired coronavirus cases — a major milestone following Sydney’s cluster outbreaks in December.

The state’s health department confirmed two COVID-19 cases were detected in hotel quarantine over the last 24 hours.

The zero instances of community transmission are a positive sign authorities have been able to quash the Berala and northern beaches clusters.

“This is the first time NSW has gone 28 days without a locally acquired case since the beginning of the pandemic,” NSW health officer Dr Stephen Conaty said.

“While this milestone is pleasing, this does not mean we can drop our guard.”

NSW Health said the total number of cases recorded in the state since the beginning of the pandemic sits at 4949.

New South Wales chief health officer Kerry Chant. The state has hit 28 days of no new locally acquired COVID-19 cases. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Dr Conaty said present cases in other states pose a risk to the state’s efforts in combating the virus.

“Cases are present in other states and are regularly being detected among international travellers arriving from overseas,” he said.

“It is therefore vital that we continue to follow public advice and continue to maintain social distancing, good hygiene, wear masks on public transport and come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.”

From Friday midnight, travellers coming from Victoria must stay at home for five days.

People subject to the restrictions in the southern state should not travel to NSW if it is not necessary.

NSW residents should refrain from travel to Victoria due to the emerging health risk.

Originally published as New South Wales has hit a milestone of no locally acquired virus cases in 28 days