NSW records 22 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours as major events cancelled

NSW has recorded a jump in coronavirus cases, with 22 people being diagnosed with the virus in 24 hours, as major events are cancelled to stop its spread.

A woman wearing a protective face mask boards a bus in Sydney, Friday, 13 March, 2020.

A woman wearing a protective face mask boards a bus in Sydney, Friday, 13 March, 2020. Source: AAP

The number of coronavirus cases in NSW has jumped by 22 over 24 hours, taking the total number of infected people in the state to 134.

An additional 22 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 between 11am on Saturday  and 11am on Sunday, NSW Health said in a statement.
NSW Health says of the 134 cases, 60 were acquired overseas while 38 were infected after contact with a confirmed case. The remaining are either unknown or under investigation.

A further 1924 cases in NSW are being investigated while more than 22,567 people have been tested and cleared.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in NSW climbs, several large events across the state have been cancelled in a bid to slow its spread.

It follows the federal government's announcement on Friday that non-essential mass gatherings of 500 people or more should not be held from Monday.

Sydney's St Patrick's Day Festival, due to be held at the Rocks on Sunday, was cancelled on Saturday afternoon after "further reflection" by the event organisers.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show, which was due to start in three weeks' time, has also been cancelled.
This year's Vivid Sydney light festival has also been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

It follows recommendations from the federal government to limit public events to fewer than 500 people, NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said.

"Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney's event calendar so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. As the event owner, we must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and everyone involved with Vivid Sydney," Mr Ayres said.
The festival had been scheduled to run between May 22 and June 13.

RSL NSW representatives will meet the state government on Monday to discuss the Commonwealth's advice, which the league says will "obviously have an impact on planning for Anzac Day".


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2 min read
Published 15 March 2020 6:48am
Updated 15 March 2020 1:57pm


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