New South Wales enjoys 11th day of NO coronavirus community infections despite soaring temperatures bringing thousands to the beach all weekend
New South Wales has reported its 11th day with no new community transmission of COVID-19, bolstering hopes of holidays to Queensland this summer.
The welcome figures come despite fears that thousands flocking to the beach over the long weekend could be a source of coronavirus transmission.
The state recorded 11 new cases of the deadly respiratory infection on Tuesday, but all new cases were found in returned travellers completing their mandatory hotel quarantine.
NSW Health conducted 5,385 tests in the 24-hour reporting period to Tuesday.
There are just 50 active cases in New South Wales, including three in intensive care. None of the patients require ventilation.
Temperatures in Bondi (pictured on Monday) reached 30C, prompting thousands to flock to the beach - with many fearing a lack of social distancing could lead to new infections
Authorities are calling on people from the Hawkesbury region and south west Sydney to seek testing after fragments of the virus were detected in the region's sewage system.
'Virus fragments in sewage can mean that there are active cases in the catchment area, but people can continue to 'shed' virus genetic material for some weeks after recovery,' NSW Health said in a statement.
The latest update strengthen's New South Wales' case of reopening the Queensland border on November 1 as promised.
While Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last Friday announced she would reopen her border to all of NSW on November 1, it was later revealed that this still relied on the state completing 28 days without any cases of community transmissions.
There was hardly room to move on Coogee Beach as thousands flocked to the water on the 31C public holiday
Sun's up, fun's up! Bondi Beach heats up as crowds descend on the famous beach during New South Wales' public holiday Monday
With 11 days already under the state's belt, there are just 17 more days standing between New South Wales residents and Sunshine State getaways.
If there is just one 'unlinked' community transmission case recorded in New South Wales the border reopening could be pushed back.
Across the long weekend, there was concerns packed crowds at the beach could have derailed the state's success.
North Cronulla beach was shut off to new visitors on Monday afternoon because the capacity under current COVID-19 restrictions had been reached.
Similar threats were made at Bondi and Coogee beaches in Sydney's east, were tens of thousands of people lined the sand as the mercury soared to 31C.
Lifesavers at Coogee warned beachgoers of the needed to keep 1.5 metres between them and others, both in the water and on the sand.
Electronic signs at the beach warned visitors that the allowed capacity was close to being reached
One cheeky youngster was eager to have a real life look at the inside of a police car near Bondi Beach
The massive crowds led to NSW Police patrolling the beaches in the early afternoon.
Epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws described the scenes as 'concerning'.
'The risk in part is that we'll change our attitude and implement pre-COVID behaviours,' she said.
'Enjoying ourselves and not thinking 'am I a safe distance away. How long have I been chatting to this person?' is a recipe for disaster.'
Queensland has already reopened the border for more than 120,000 residents in New South Wales border towns, including Byron Bay and Ballina.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has openly criticised the 28-day policy as a 'pretty tall order'.
To add insult to injury, the state premier said she only learned of the November reopening date through a press conference.
Communication between Ms Berejiklian and Ms Palaszczuk has deteriorated as the two premiers clash over the closure of the state border.
Ms Berejiklian has constantly insisted Queensland lift its border closure while Ms Palaszczuk has remained firm on her policy to keep it shut.
Ms Berejiklian said she held back her excitement when she learned the November reopen date was based on a 28-day-free community transmission policy (pictured, officers patrol the Queensland and New South Wales border on October 1)
While Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last Friday announced she would reopen her border to all of NSW on November 1, it was later revealed that this still relied on the state completing 28 days without any cases of community transmission