Overview
In 2020, we all started paying extra attention to where we've been, in case venues we've visited were also attended by confirmed COVID-19 cases. And, with the Greater Sydney region currently under lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak, frequently checking the state's list of exposure sites is once again part of Sydneysiders' routines.
The NSW Government maintains a register of venues that positive COVID-19 cases have visited, and urges the state's residents to get tested and/or self-isolate if they've also visited at specific times. Now, you can also see all of the venue alerts across the state on an interactive map.
Called COVID-19 Near Me, the statewide map gives locations specific hues depending on the action visitors are being urged to comply with, making it easy to see whether or not you must get tested and self-isolate or just monitor for symptoms.
For example, bright red-coloured venues are close contact locations and, therefore, visitors are to get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, even if they receive a negative test. A darker red indicates that folks should also get tested immediately and self-isolate, but will then need to wait for further advice.
Orange is used for casual contacts, with visitors urged to get a test and self-isolate until receiving a negative result. And blue dots are used for lower-risk locations, which require visitors to monitor for symptoms and, subsequently, get tested should any appear.
Unlike the NSW Government's pre-existing map for COVID-19 cases by postcode, this map is not run by the Government — it's just powered by its official data. So, NSW residents are urged to also check the official NSW Health website if they have any concerns about venues they may have visited.
At the time of writing, the map was last updated in the early hours of Thursday, July 15.
Everyone in NSW with even mild cold and flu symptoms is encouraged to come forward and get tested.
You can check out all existing COVID-19 venue alerts at covid19nearme.com.au. For more information about COVID-19 in NSW and current restrictions, head to NSW Health.
Images: COVID-19 Near Me as of Thursday, July 15.