The number of new COVID-19 cases in the Illawarra Shoalhaven has risen, with 14 infections detected in one day.
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They were among the 249 locally acquired cases that came to light across NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm Thursday.
Wollongong accounts for 12 of the new cases in the region, with most in the northern suburbs: six in the postcode of 2515, two in 2516, one in 2518, and three in 2526.
It comes after two people confirmed to have had COVID visited a haunted house at the Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday, which triggered testing and isolation for the more than 250 who had attended.
Anyone who went inside the function room - most of whom were children - is now considered a close contact and must isolate for up to two weeks.
Thirroul Junior Football Club has delayed the start of its junior summer 7s competition to Monday, November 15 because of the cases and players having to isolate.
The emergence of cases in the area also prompted the local health district to establish a one-day pop-up testing clinic in the Thirroul Beach car park on Friday.
The walk-in clinic is open until 4pm.
Six of the new cases in the Wollongong local government area are linked to other known infections.
There is also one case in Shellharbour - the postcode of 2527 - and one in the Shoalhaven.
There are now 73 active COVID cases in Wollongong, 20 in Shellharbour, four in Kiama, and 34 in Shoalhaven.
In total, the local health district has seen 2461 cases of community transmission since the middle of June.
NSW Health reports that hospitals are treating 285 COVID patients, of whom 12 are in the local health district's hospitals.
Sixty-one people are in intensive care and 28 are on ventilators.
NSW has reported the deaths of another three people, aged in their 80s and 90s.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
