With Sydney coronavirus outbreak, experts fear Christmas could lead to ‘worst-case scenario’ for New Year’s Eve

With Sydney on a knife-edge as the Avalon cluster continues to grow, experts are concerned that celebrations over the next week, particularly New Year’s Eve, could become coronavirus superspreading events.

In a worst-case scenario, those exposed to undetected coronavirus on Christmas Day in their small household gatherings could unknowingly take it to New Year’s Eve celebrations, when they would be at their peak infectiousness.

While Christmas might bring together two or three households, New Year’s celebrations bring together people from further afield, which could lead to potential super-spreader events in the city.

Throw in the Boxing Day sales, where large crowds mingle indoors, and it’s a “potential ticking time bomb”, says…