Coronavirus cases in NSW increase to 78 with public advised to 'be alert'
ABCAbout 1.5 million people in New South Wales could contract the COVID-19 coronavirus in its first wave, according to the state's Chief Medical Officer. Key points: Those who return from any overseas travel feeling unwell should not attend mass gatherings Control measures in NSW have not been escalated but the Premier says the situation is evolving Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation Dr Kerry Chant said each person who contracted the potentially deadly virus is predicted to infect, on average, at least two other people, based on statistical modelling. Speaking at a Budget Estimates Committee, Dr Chant said that could result in about 20 per cent of the state's population, or about 1.5 million people, becoming infected in the first wave, according to projections. Dr Chant said anyone who felt unwell, irrespective of overseas travel, should "socially distance" themselves and stay clear of mass gatherings. "The best thing you can do is stay at home if you're unwell — don't push through, don't go to workplaces, don't go and visit loved ones in aged care facilities, don't go and visit loved ones in hospital and don't go to public events where you're going to be cheek and jowl," Dr Chant said.