Public Notice: Sydney Community Health and Service Roundup

Official Health Advisories

NSW Health has issued several critical health alerts active for Thursday, 5 February 2026. Residents are urged to maintain vigilance regarding the following public health matters:

• Measles Monitoring: The monitoring period for several recent measles exposure sites concludes today. Individuals who visited the Nepean Hospital Emergency Department between late evening on Friday, 16 January and Saturday, 17 January should complete their 18-day symptom watch by the end of today. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash.
• High-Dose MDMA Alert: A public safety warning remains in effect across the Sydney metropolitan area following the detection of high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets. These tablets, which may also contain the synthetic stimulant dipentylone, have been linked to severe health complications. NSW Health advises that no dose of MDMA is safe and urges anyone feeling unwell to seek immediate medical attention.
• Prolonged Respiratory Season: Health officials continue to manage an unusually late peak in influenza cases. Residents are encouraged to stay home if they exhibit respiratory symptoms and to consult their GP or contact Healthdirect for advice on managing mild illnesses to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.

Public Service and Community Notices

Official service updates and community meetings scheduled for today include:

• Public Service Association (PSA) Meeting: A regional staff and community service meeting is scheduled for the Hawkesbury Community Service Centre today, 5 February, starting at 9:30 am. This meeting serves as a forum for local staff to discuss workplace issues and community service delivery.
• Heritage Site Transition: Following recent federal audits, the government has confirmed the upcoming sale of several historic defense properties, including the Victoria Barracks in Paddington. While operational shifts are ongoing, the public is advised that these sites are being prepared for future residential and community redevelopment.

Maritime and Coastal Safety

The Port Authority of NSW and coastal safety agencies have issued the following notices for Sydney’s waterways:

• Cruise Ship Arrivals: Two major vessels are scheduled to berth in Sydney Harbour today. The Azamara Pursuit is expected at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at 6:00 am, with a scheduled departure at 6:45 pm. Simultaneously, the Viking Sky will arrive at the White Bay Cruise Terminal at 6:00 am for an overnight stay. Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic is expected around Circular Quay and Rozelle.
• Beach Safety Warning: Surf Life Saving NSW continues to advise caution for swimmers and surfers at Northern Beaches locations. Murky water quality following recent rains and reports of increased shark activity have prompted a recommendation to use chlorinated public pools as a safer alternative until water clarity improves.