COVID-19: Petersham's Oxford Tavern at centre of outbreak as 44 patrons test positive

Fourty-four pub patrons were diagnosed after attending a trivia night at the popular Oxford Tavern in Petersham on November 30, Sydney Local Health District said.

Health authorities say anyone who attended the Oxford Tavern on the evening of November 30 is considered a close contact, must get tested immediately and self-isolate.

Patrons who were fully vaccinated can come out of isolation if they have had a negative test on or after December 6, but will need to have another test on Sunday.

"If you have not been fully vaccinated, please remain in isolation until December 12, and have another test on this date," Sydney Local Health District said.

The NSW Electoral Commission has also advised that a number of polling places in the inner west were attended by a confirmed COVID-19 case on voting day; Saturday, 4 December.

People who cast their vote at any of these polling places may be a low risk or casual contact and should monitor for symptoms and get tested if unwell.

The Oxford Tavern outbreak comes a day after Dr Chant attributed a spike in daily cases numbers to increased transmission in large venues such as pubs, clubs and parties as people began socialising freely again.

The number of people diagnosed with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in NSW has risen to 42, as the state records another 420 cases. That's eight new cases of the variant, as total numbers surged for a second day.

NSW now has 93 per cent of adults fully vaccinated for COVID-19 - just two per cent short of the goal nominated by Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant. The first dose tally for people 16 and older is just shy of that target - 94.7 per cent.

Nearly 82 per cent of the state's teens aged 12-15 have had one jab, while 77.4 per cent have had two doses.

The new cases of the virus were recorded from 84,883 tests undertaken in the 24-hours until 8pm on Wednesday night. There are 151 people in hospital with COVID, 25 of them in ICU and eight of them are ventilated.

No Omicron cases have been admitted to hospital in NSW for treatment of COVID-19.

NSW Health is also trying to track down 140 people who signed into a Cadman Cruise on Sydney Harbour on Friday night, after five cases were linked to the event. At least two are suspected to involve the Omicron variant.

Dr Chant said transmission was "predominantly occurring in vaccinated individuals" who experienced mild symptoms.

Have something to say? Send a letter to the editor at: editor@innerwestreview.com.au

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: