Covid positive test rate in NSW jumps to 6.5%, highest since start of pandemic

The Covid positive test rate in New South Wales has risen to 6.5%, the highest since the pandemic began.

The positivity rate is up from 1.73% a week ago and 0.71% a fortnight ago, a figure some epidemiologists say is likely to mean a proportion of cases are going undetected.

In the 24-hour period to 8pm on Sunday, 97,241 tests were conducted, with 6,324 cases detected, resulting in a positive test rate of 6.5%.

After the easing of restrictions in mid-October, the positive test rate hovered at 0.5% or below while testing numbers remained relatively high.

The timing of the uptick in test positivity corresponded with the lifting of restrictions in conjunction with the arrival of the Omicron variant and holiday socialising.

Provided testing turnouts are consistent, the higher the positive test rate climbs, the greater the extent of undetected spread of Covid.

While the state has recorded its highest positive test rates since the start of the pandemic, Martiniuk said it was important to keep in mind the slightly lower testing numbers over the Christmas weekend.

Baxter also said an increase in the positive test rate could be due in part to rapid antigen tests having detected asymptomatic cases, which were then confirmed by PCR tests.

Testing facilities across the state have been overwhelmed in the face of the outbreak; patients are routinely waiting 72 hours to receive results, with some reporting waiting times of well over 100 hours.

On Monday the pathology lab announced another 995 people had been prematurely sent negative test results while the actual results were yet to be determined. The hospital said the additional results would be delivered by Monday night.

Martiniuk emphasised the ongoing importance of testing in slowing and reducing the spread of Covid infections.