NSW Health investigating whether Wollongong COVID-case contracted it within hotel quarantine at Sofitel Wentworth

The resident from the Wollongong area arrived from overseas on January 19, subsequently returning two negative tests while in quarantine at the Sofitel Wentworth.

However, two days after being released - on their 16th day back in the country - they tested positive for the virus despite showing no symptoms.

Read more: Business owners face anxious wait after new COVID-19 case in Wollongong

"Several returned overseas travellers in the same quarantine hotel returned positive COVID-19 results while the case reported today was undertaking quarantine," NSW Health said in a statement.

All returned travellers who stayed on the same floor during the same period are being contacted by and requested to be tested.

Ten close contacts of the case were also identified and directed to self-isolate. Seven of those have already returned negative tests.

A health alert sparked long queues at testing clinics around the region on Monday morning, with cars blocking streets surrounding a new drive-through clinic which had been setup at the Shamrocks Rugby Club in Woonona.

"You've just got to live with it and do the right thing," said local resident Anita Wilkson who had been waiting for two hours for her test.

Giles Shipton thought the probability of him having COVID-19 was low, but he also wanted to "do the right thing" and get tested after visiting Thirroul Beach at the same time as the positive case (February 3 from 3pm to 4:30pm).

On Monday afternoon, NSW Health announced the opening of two additional pop-up clinics:

While opening hours were extended for a drive-through clinic at 11 Princes Highway in Figtree.

The person who tested positive for COVID-19 visited a number of venues in Wollongong and surrounding areas, as well as a café in Brighton Le Sands in south-eastern Sydney, before they were notified of the positive result.

"The person did not have any symptoms but underwent testing as part of the recently enhanced day-16 follow-up as an additional precautionary measure," NSW Health said in a statement.

"Test results indicate that the person has a low level of infection and their household contacts have returned negative results to date."

Read more: Illawarra cricket coach jailed for grooming three teen boys

Anyone who was in the beer garden of the Headlands Hotel on Tuesday 2 February 1pm - 3pm or who dined in at the Bulli Beach Café Saturday 6 February 1.30pm - 4pm is now considered a close contact and should immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

Anyone who was at the Headlands Hotel (in all areas other than the beer garden) and anyone who got takeaway from the Bulli Beach Café at the times listed above is now considered a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms. If any symptoms develop, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.

Anyone who attended Officeworks on 145 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow between 2.10pm and 3.10pm on February 5 is also advised to get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Anyone who visited Optus on Flinders Street, North Wollongong between 1pm and 1:15pm on February 4 is also advised to get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Other venues where people should get monitored for symptoms include: Headlands Hotel Austinmer, Mootch and Me in Brighton Le Sands, Woolworths Bulli, Corrimal Memorial Park, Fedora Pasta Factory in Fairy Meadow, Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, Sublime Point Walking Track, Thirroul Beach.

A complete list of venues of concern plus dates and times can be found on the NSW Government's website - www.nsw.gov.au .

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.