State records 28-day COVID free milestone

February 14 marks the 28th consecutive day with no reported locally acquired cases.

This is the first time NSW has gone 28 days without a locally acquired case since the beginning of the pandemic.

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The 28-day milestone is significant as it marks at least two chains of transmissions' time, which refers to the length of time medical experts consider is needed before the virus can be said to be eliminated from the community.

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Two new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,949.

There were 16,302 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 13,088.

The previous longest stretch without local cases was 26 days, when there were no cases diagnosed in the reporting cycles between November 6 and December 2.

Dr Stephen Conaty said while this milestone was "pleasing, it does not mean we can drop our guard".

"Cases are present in other states and are regularly being detected among international travellers arriving from overseas," he said.

"It is therefore vital that we continue to follow public health advice and continue to maintain social distancing and good hygiene, wear masks on public transport, and come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms."

Dr Conaty thanked everyone who had recently arrived from Victoria and cooperated with the requirements of the Public Health Order, and who came forward for testing if they were at venues of concern.

Under the provisions of the Order, anyone who arrived in NSW from Victoria from midnight on Friday must comply with the five-day stay-at-home requirements in the order.

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