A man in his 80s who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 has died at Nepean Hospital.
His passing is one of seven reported overnight as the COVID outbreak continues to worsen in New South Wales.
There were 478 new locally acquired cases of the virus reported to 8pm last night.
18 of these were in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District – the lowest number for some time.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the numbers are too high and people needed to follow the stay-at-home orders.
“Stay home and leave your home for the most minimum of time,” Dr Chant pleaded.
“Every time you are out and about assume you have the infection or will come into contact with somebody who has the infection.”
Dr Chant confirmed some 30 cases had been linked to Nepean Hospital, across both the Mental Health Unit and other wards.
However, no new cases were reported overnight.
“Nepean Hospital including the Emergency Department remains open and all precautions have been put in place,” Dr Chant said.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.