Australia on alert as outbreak on Sydney s Northern Beaches threatens to spread across New South Wales
17th new case within 24 hours recorded as 270,000 were asked to stay at home, avoid travel or going out
But it was a different story in Sydney s CBD as hundreds of revellers celebrated the start of the festive season
The outbreak leaves travel plans in chaos as states and territories quickly stepped up travel restrictions
Five mystery coronavirus cases have emerged in Sydney s Northern Beaches
Close contacts must self-isolate and cannot mingle for Christmas or NYE
There are no known links to other confirmed Covid cases yet, NSW Health said
But QLD and WA could close borders again to protect residents from outbreaks
People are being told to wait 24 hours before booking holidays for advice
NSW Health has urged Northern Beaches residents to be tested for COVID-19
There is currently a growing cluster of 17 infections in the Northern Beaches
Celebrity chef Pete Evans told Sydneysiders to not get tested on Facebook
He said coronavirus is the common cold despite being a different disease
Evans has said he will quit Facebook but made more than 13 posts on Thursday
NSW Health has advised Northern Beaches residents to self-isolate immediately
Some 250,000 people from Spit Bridge to Palm Beach are asked to stay at home
Three new cases were identified on Thursday, bringing the cluster total to 17
Queensland and Western Australia have imposed restrictions on NSW residents
Those who visited Northern Beaches cannot enter certain Queensland facilities
In WA, anyone who visited NSW since December 11 has to be tested and isolate
Sydney coronavirus outbreak sparked by selfish elderly couple who refused to isolate surges to four including a musician who s performed gigs all over the city - with 250,000 residents urged to get tested even if they have a bit of a cough
Four mystery coronavirus cases have emerged in Sydney s Northern Beaches
Close contacts must self-isolate and cannot mingle for Christmas or NYE
There are no known links to other confirmed Covid cases yet, NSW Health said
Three cases were identified in one day prompting border and travel questions
Premiers remain cautiously optimistic they can keep borders open in future
But QLD and WA could close borders again to protect residents from outbreaks