The Illawarra region has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 for the second day in a row though NSW Health is calling for more frontline workers to bolster its response efforts to fighting the pandemic.
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As at 8.30am on Thursday, there were 115 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
Of these, four patients are being cared for in Wollongong Hospital, and two patients in Shoalhaven Hospital.
There has been the least number of confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded across the state since mid-March.
As at 8pm on Wednesday, an additional 39 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, since 8pm April 6, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 2,773.
The 39 new cases represent the lowest daily count since March 16.
There are currently 221 COVID-19 cases being treated in NSW. This includes 31 cases in intensive care units, and 21 of these require ventilators.
A further 3,906 people were tested for the infection in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday which was a 32 per cent increase from the 24 hours before.
Meanwhile, anyone who spits or coughs on a frontline worker including hospital staff, paramedics and police, will cop a $5000 on-the-spot fine.
NSW Minister Brad Hazzard announced on Thursday afternoon that there had been a number of incidents where frontline workers, who are keeping people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, had been spat at and coughed on.
He labelled the behaviour "despicable" and "appalling".
"These frontline workers are caring for us and the simple fact is, we need to care for them," Mr Hazzard said.
"Stop it or you will cop it will a $5000 on the spot fine."
Also announced on Thursday, NSW Health called for expressions of interest for frontline health workers and support staff to apply through a dedicated online portal.
Richard Griffiths,Workforce Planning and Talent Development executive director, said the new website would enable companies and individuals to register their skills for potential positions ahead of expected demand across the healthcare system.
"This portal has been designed as a landing page for people to make themselves known to the health system," he said.
"It's also a place for organisations to register their staff with appropriate skills who might be stood down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Whether you are a qualified healthcare worker or have relevant non-clinical skills, you can provide vital support to our system and bolster our response to this crisis."
The portal, along with support from partner recruitment agency Randstad, means the health system can rapidly process multiple applications to screen people, agencies and companies and match them and their skills to vacant roles in the health system.
Some organisations have already taken the opportunity to nominate staff for redeployment in the health space after their roles were impacted by COVID-19.
More than 30 Qantas employees have come on board this week for a range of roles in Sydney Local Health District, including porter services, cleaning, supply and administrative support roles.
Almost 30 staff from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will start their orientation with the Contact Tracing Team this week.
In addition, 25 employees from other state government agencies have already been deployed in the contact tracing team, while another 15 staff will assist with the Ministry of Health phone inquiry line.
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