Yesterday, on Sunday, January 24, New South Wales reached a milestone of passing a full week without recording any local transmission of the virus – a streak which continues today, despite three new cases being recorded in hotel quarantine.
It sounds like good news for those hoping for eased restrictions in the coming days and weeks, however testing numbers remain lower than targeted by NSW Health. A total of 11,344 tests were conducted until 8pm on Saturday, while only 8,689 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
"Low testing numbers remain a concern," said NSW Health in a statement. "We are strongly urging people across the state to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms. High testing rates are essential to give us confidence that no cases are going undetected in the community. Everyone who gets tested is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of Covid-19."
In other virus related news, the Pfizer vaccine was provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today, with rollout of the vaccine expected to commence in late February.