Health authorities are warning NSW remains at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic with testing needing to triple to contain the spread of the virus.
There were just two new locally acquired cases reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday but low testing rates persist.
NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Jeremy McAnulty said just 7,401 people got tested on Monday, slightly more than the 6,592 who were tested on Sunday and way below the 20,000 daily benchmark health authorities want.
"NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find undiagnosed cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing," Dr McAnulty said on Tuesday.
He urged anyone with cold symptoms to assume it is COVID-19 until proven otherwise.
"Get tested on the day you get those symptoms - don't wait until they go away," he said.
There were also three cases diagnosed in returned travellers who remain in hotel quarantine.
Dr McAnulty said the two new locally acquired cases were both linked to known cases and clusters.
One was a household contact of a previously confirmed case linked to the Liverpool private clinic cluster, which now has 12 cases.
The other locally acquired case was a close contact of a case linked to someone who attended the Great Beginnings childcare centre at Oran Park.
Dr McAnulty said the Oran Park community had been "brilliant" in its response to calls for increased testing, with its weekly rate increasing fourfold from August to 895 last week.
But he reiterated the need for more testing in the southwest Sydney hotspot, urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward.
He also warned people in Sydney's southeast to be on high alert after an infectious person visited the Kingsford and Ramsgate areas, including several cafes, in the first two weeks of October.
The warnings come just days before more restrictions ease on Friday.
Up to 30 people will be permitted to gather outdoors, up from 20, while group bookings of up to 30, up from ten, will be allowed at restaurants and pubs.
Mega weddings with up to 300 guests will be allowed from December provided they are seated, and dancing remains strictly confined to the bridal party.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: , , , , , , .
