Goulburn linked case revealed to be 'infamous' Indian Delta variant, no NSW positive cases so far

In good news, NSW has recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and no new overseas-acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm, June 3.

More than 500 people were tested for the virus in Goulburn on Tuesday, with no positive results.

The region was thrust into COVID alert late Tuesday and early Wednesday as news spread about a Melbourne man and now his family, that visited a number of locations in the area from May 19-24, having since tested positive to the virus.

In an address today, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton revealed a new Delta variant of COVID-19 was identified through sequencing for the case that traveled to Jervis Bay via Goulburn.

He said the Delta strain was "infamous in India" and this was the first time it had been detected in the Australian community.

"It's obviously a concern it's not linked to other cases, we are looking into where it might have been acquired and chasing down close contacts," he said.

"We are seeing it in international travelers but in term of closely genetically linked cases we have no other cases in Australia.

"The new variant is the one that has become the predominant variant in India and in surrounding countries.

"It does appear to be the most significant in term of transmissibility."

He revealed the Victorian Government "suspected" the strain was spread by a Grade Five primary school student with seven individuals including family members linked to the cluster.

Mr Sutton said "transmission between students has always been known".

300 further close contacts in Victoria have been contacted with no positive cases so far.

Ongoing investigations by NSW Health into the movements of the cases has so far identified 130 people as close contacts in the state. All are self-isolating and none of these people have tested positive to date.

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NSW Health initially advised anyone who had been at venues of concern associated with these cases to get tested and isolate until receiving further information from NSW Health.

Capital Pathology CEO Dr Jason Gluch said the high number of COVID-19 tests in Goulburn was "excellent".

"It's pleasing to see so many people getting tested," he said.

"It's part of stopping community spread."

He said 80 per cent of tests conducted on Wednesday had come back negative by midnight, with the results of the remaining 20 per cent issued by 9am, Thursday.

Dr Gluch praised staff and the "quick turnaround" of the Canberra based facility.

"We are here to help NSW Health anyway we can, our staff are ready to go."

NSW Health administered its highest-ever number of vaccines yesterday, giving 15,410 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 1,419,005.

Anyone who lives in Gundagai, Goulburn, Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Hyams Beach or Vincentia, or has visited these areas since 19 May, is asked to be especially vigilant for symptoms after four travellers who later tested positive for COVID-19 spent time there.

If you are in NSW and attended any of the venues identified at the times listed, please contact NSW Health immediately on 1800 943 553.

NSW Health urges everyone to continue to take all practical measures to stay COVID-safe, including practising good hand hygiene, and always using QR codes to check in to and out of venues.

Masks are recommended in any situation where physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transport.

Anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms is urged to come forward for testing immediately, and to isolate until a negative result is received.

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW.

To find your nearest clinic, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

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