NSW recorded one new locally acquired COVID-19 case in the 24 hours to 8pm on 3 December as health officials continue to investigate its origin.
The female housekeeper contracted the virus while working at the Novotel and Ibis hotels in Darling Harbour, one of which accommodates returned travellers under quarantine.
The woman travelled on trains and light rail services while possibly infected and thousands of people who may have come into contact with her have been urged to self-isolate and get tested.
It was the first confirmed case in the state in 26 days and revealed that testing of quarantine hotel workers was not yet mandatory.
Infection likely to have come from overseas
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the infection was ‘highly likely’ to have come from an overseas traveller.
The case created doubt over the recent reopening of the Queensland border and the easing of restrictions across NSW.
However, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Today there were no immediate plans to close the border as health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Meanwhile NSW Health is treating 77 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care.
So far 3.5 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted in NSW with 4,414 confirmed cases and 55 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Both Victoria and SA have continued their clear runs of no new cases for 35 and six days respectively.
