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'Young people particularly': Warning over concerning coronavirus stat

The NSW Health Minister is warning “young people” to be more cautious during the coronavirus pandemic reminding them they are “as vulnerable as any part of the community”.

Brad Hazzard told reporters on Sunday there are 2,854 confirmed cases of coronavirus in NSW.

“I want to remind young people particularly,” Mr Hazzard said.

“It seems like older people have got the message and understand the danger to them but younger people are still out and about, and that's great in terms of getting out for exercise, but you do need to maintain your social distancing.”

Beachgoers stay out of the water on Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Two women enjoy iced tea while walking past a closed Bondi Beach on Saturday. Source: Getty Images

He added 1206 people aged under 40 have COVID-19 in NSW – making up 42 per cent of the total confirmed cases.

Of all the age groups, those aged 20-29 have the most cases of any age group with 616. That also counts for more than half the under 40 age group.

“So, my message to you is on a beautiful Easter, certainly get out and about, exercise, it is good for your mental health and good for your physical health,” Mr Hazzard said.

“But keep your social distance and recognise in some areas where the propensity has been for you, or for people to gather in greater numbers where social distancing couldn't be maintained, our state police and NSW Police and councils have taken steps to close some of those areas.

“The reason they've done that is because people were ignoring the rules around social distancing. It is not out of some desire to deny the community the right to our great outdoors which we all love in NSW.”

New South Wales Minister for Health Brad Hazzard speaks at a press conference in Sydney, Australia.
New South Wales Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said people aged under 40 need to be more cautious. Source: Getty Images (file pic)

Seven new cases overnight were confirmed in the state.

NSW Health said while it appears to be “promising news” that less people are being tested for coronavirus.

There were just 840 tests conducted on Saturday, compared to 3,515 on Good Friday.

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