3.30pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Australia has also hit 13 consecutive days of no new local COVID-19 cases - the longest stretch of days since March last year.
"This is a huge credit to the people of Australia, and I think you for your contributions to keeping our nation COVID-safe," acting chief medical officer Professor Michael Kidd said.
"The global figures by comparison are very concerning.
"Over 102 million cases of COVID-19 reported in countries all around the world, and the tragedy of over 2.2 million deaths."
Professor Kidd said Health Minister Greg Hunt had confirmed again that the current vaccine schedule was on track.
Earlier
NSW has detected no new locally acquired COVID-19 cases for a thirteenth day, but health authorities are urging members of the public to not let down their guard.
Dr Michael Douglas from NSW Health said the lack of known cases did not necessarily mean the coronavirus was not in the community.
"While NSW has now seen 13 days without a locally acquired case of COVID-19, the virus may still be circulating in the community among people with mild or no symptoms," Dr Douglas said.
"We've previously seen successive days of no local cases, only to see cases re-emerge."
Analysis: When can we shake hands again?
In the 24 hours to 8pm Friday, two travellers from overseas tested positive for COVID-19.
This brings the total number of cases of the virus found in NSW to 4912.
More than 10,500 tests were conducted in those 24 hours, and Dr Douglas reiterated the importance of anyone with possible COVID-19 symptoms - such as a runny nose, scratchy throat, cough, or fever - to come forward for testing.
"Everyone who comes forward for testing is playing... an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19," he said.
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.