Three new COVID-19 cases in the Blue Mountains have been identified after household members of a Katoomba man linked to a Casula hotel also tested positive.
The man in his 50s tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting the Crossroads Hotel on Friday, July 3. Already isolating at home, three members of his household tested positive on Friday night, July 10 and are now also isolating. The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District confirmed on Friday that the man was from Katoomba.
NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Jeremy McAnulty said community transmission of COVID-19 was at a "critical point" in the state following all new cases.
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He said the new cases would be included in today's (Sunday) COVID-19 case numbers.
A South-Western Sydney woman in her 30s also tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the Casula hotel on July 3.
"The only known link between these two cases is they both visited the same hotel on the same evening," said Dr McAnulty.
He appealed for anyone with even minor symptoms to come forward for testing.
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said his thoughts are with the local family who have been infected with COVID-19.
"My hope is for their full and speedy recovery. This must be a scary time for them and they are in my mind today," he said.
"Indeed, we have had around 26 other positive cases over the last few months and no community transmission that we know of. Clearly people have been responsible when they get this news in our Blue Mountains. We are not alone."
But the mayor urged the state government to strengthen its messaging about social distancing.
"I am reminded that we have twice written to the government about our concern that they need to support our community with stronger social distancing messages in order to protect our people, our businesses and our recovery. We have had no satisfactory response," he said.
"On Monday I will write for the third time seeking that help.
"For now, let's come together and hold this family in our hearts. We are better together. We all play a role in ensuring our community remains safe."