On Sunday 400 people were told that they had tested negative when they had tested positive to the virus. Photo / Getty Images
On Sunday 400 people were told that they had tested negative when they had tested positive to the virus. Photo / Getty Images
Almost 1000 additional people have received potentially wrong Covid test information from a Sydney pathology lab, just one day after it incorrectly told 400 infected people they had tested negative.
SydPath – operated by St Vincent's Hospital – confirmed on Monday afternoon that approximately 995 extra people, tested on December23 and 24, were prematurely sent an SMS advising them their test was negative when their true result had not yet been determined.
The update comes after 400 people were told on Sunday that they had tested negative when they had tested positive to the virus.
The clinic said all people had been contacted and advised of the error and would receive their accurate test results by Monday night.
The lab again blamed high testing volumes for the "human error", which is linked to the testing bungle that necessitated the Boxing Day apology.
The man in his 80s from western Sydney died at Westmead Hospital.
"The man was a resident of the Uniting Lilian Wells aged care facility in North Parramatta, where he acquired his infection," health authorities said.
"He had received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions. This is the first known death in NSW linked to the Omicron variant of concern."
His was among three deaths recorded.
Travellers receive Covid-19 tests ahead of their flights at Sydney Airport. Photo / Getty Images
A woman in her 90s from the Central Coast also died at Wyong Hospital. She had received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, a man in his 80s from Sydney's inner west died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He had received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.
"NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones," NSW Health said in a statement.
There are 520 Covid cases admitted to hospital, with 55 people in intensive care, 17 of whom need ventilation.
There were 97,241 Covid-19 tests reported to 8pm on Sunday compared with the previous day's total of 109,545.
It comes as new restrictions come into force for the holiday season as the state battles to contain its mammoth coronavirus case surge.
