THE Premier has warned that the next few days are "crucial" after announcing 35 new cases of locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 in NSW.
As people anxiously await news as to whether the Greater Sydney lockdown will continue after Friday, Premier Gladys Berejikilian said it will depend on what the next few days bring.
Of the new locally-acquired cases, seven had been in the community while infectious.
"That's what NSW Health will be monitoring in the next few days," Gladys Berejiklian said.
"The next couple of days will be absolutely critical to help our health experts present their advice to government. The lockdown has certainly been effective.
"Unfortunately when a small number of people do not do the right thing, it does result in cases. Having a party when you're not supposed to have a party is not doing the right thing.
"I implore everyone to keep at it... Maintain the rules we have been asked to follow.
"Please continue to do the right thing, don't cut corners."
So far, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Hunter community.
Ms Berejiklian said outdoor settings were "far less risky" than indoor settings.
More than 58,000 people were tested for COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday.
The Premier urged anyone with "the mildest symptoms" continue to get tested to allow health officials to make an accurate judgement on the COVID risk.
Among the new cases were two more residents of the SummitCare aged care facility at Sydney's Baulkham Hills.
One of the residents was not vaccinated.
There are now five cases that have been associated with the aged care facility outbreak after an unvaccinated health worker visited the site while infectious.
There are currently four people in ICU receiving treatment for COVID-19, although none are being ventilated.
Dr Kerry Chant said the more people who keep getting tested will help them advise governments on whether the lockdown will continue.
"The situation can change, " she said. "What is most important at the moment is that the community continues to follow the health advice."
She urged the public to continue wearing masks, maintain social distancing, and get tested.
"We have got testing capacity," she said.
"Finding any cases is going to be crucial.
"We just need to the community to continue to get tested."
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