NSW records one new locally acquired COVID-19 case linked to Byron Bay

NSW has recorded a new locally acquired case of COVID-19, with new restrictions over Easter for four communities around Byron Bay.

The new case is linked to a hen's party in the holiday town attended by infectious cases from Queensland.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the person, a man in his 20s, was at the Byron Beach Hotel at the same time as a cluster of positive cases who attended the party.

LIVE UPDATES: Queensland's cluster slows as Easter nears

Following the new case, the shires of Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore will be on "extra high alert" and will be subject to restrictions until the end of Easter.

These include limiting the number of people in private residences to 30 people.

All public venues will be subject to the four-square-metre rule and all patrons will be required to be seated

Masks will become compulsory on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings.

READ MORE: Everything we know about the two Queensland clusters

Ms Berejiklian has asked residents from Byron Bay and surrounding shires not to travel over Easter to reduce the chance of potential transmission. 

However, she said the directive will not be mandatory and it will not be policed.

There were no other cases in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, with the new case being identified after the reporting period.

More details on new case

The latest case is a man in his 20s who attended the Byron Beach Hotel with three friends and sat near the travellers from Queensland who were there for a hen's party. 

Three of the man's friends have been tested and returned negative results. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus travel restrictions for Easter: State-by-state guide after latest outbreak

The man was tested immediately after hearing of the Byron alerts and has been self-isolating. 

NSW Health has also added new alerts for location in Byron Bay, which can be seen below.

The state also recorded three new cases in overseas travellers, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5102.

There were 17,393 tests reported to 8pm yesterday, compared with the previous day's total of 7303.

New Queensland cases

Overnight Queensland has recorded two new local cases of COVID-19, both linked to existing clusters.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said today's case numbers were "very encouraging" and a decision on when Brisbane will exit its snap lockdown will be made tomorrow.

READ MORE: Easter long weekend store opening hours 2021 - What's open and closed?

You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348

For coronavirus breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.