Testing target smashed but Premier says restrictions won’t be eased before Mother’s Day

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked the NSW public today following a record number of tests in the 24 hours up until 8pm last night after she called on the state to up the rate yesterday.

Ms Berejiklian’s target of 8000 daily tests was beaten by almost 3000 in the latest reporting period in which just three confirmed cases arose, all of which were from known sources.

“Can I start by thanking the citizens of NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“In the last 24 hours we’ve had a record number of tests, just over 10,900, that is amazing.

“We set a target for 8000 and more and got 10,900 which is very pleasing.

“Out of all those tests there are only three new cases and the good news about those three cases, not that it’s ever good news, is that they’re all from known sources, there wasn’t any community to community transmission in those three cases.

“That is a great result. If you compare that to just a month ago NSW was conducting about a third of a number of those tests with over 50 cases a day on average in that time so it’s a wonderful improvement.”

The Premier predicted that life would feel far more normal come the end of June.

“As we proceed through through May and through June there will be an easing of restrictions and that’s something all of us can look forward to and so I suspect by the end of June life will feel much more normal than what it does now,” she said.

However the Premier said that while National Cabinet was considering easing some restrictions from Friday, NSW would not be in a position to implement anything before Mother’s Day.

Meanwhile NSW Health confirmed today that just three new confirmed cases were detected from more than 10,900 tests.

“As at 8pm Wednesday, May 6, three additional cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed since 8pm May 5, bringing the total to 3044,” a NSW Health statement said.

“During that time, a record 10,902 people were tested, compared to 6899 people in the 24 hours before. NSW Health would like to thank those with symptoms for coming forward, getting tested and ensuring as many cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible.

“One case previously reported in the NSW totals has now been excluded after further testing, reflecting the adjusted overall total of 3044 confirmed cases.

“There are currently 121 COVID-19 cases being treated by NSW Health. This includes 10 people being treated in intensive care inits, with eight of those requiring ventilators. 80 per cent of cases are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.”

There have now been 2463 people who have recovered from COVID-19 in NSW and there were no new deaths in the reporting period.

See today’s full press conference below.