NSW's COVID-19 lockdown has been tightened again, after 239 new infections were announced — the highest daily number since the virus first arrived in the state early last year.
The new restrictions will effectively mean people in some areas cannot travel more than 5km from their homes, and come on top of the lockdown extension and sweeping changes to shopping, schooling and construction announced yesterday.
As the state's outbreak sunk to a new low, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said "things are likely to get worse before they get better", while chief health officer Kerry Chant warned "we are going to continue to see further deaths".
The new rules affect the eight Sydney local government areas (LGAs) where the spread of COVID-19 is most pronounced.
From 12:01am tomorrow, residents in Georges River, Parramatta, Blacktown, Cumberland, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Campbelltown LGAs must:
- Wear a mask whenever they leave their homes, regardless of proximity to others
- Not travel more than 5km from home for shopping, unless the goods are not available in their local area
- Not travel more than 5km from their home to exercise or take part in a "singles bubble"
The new rules are due to a continuing high rate of transmission in workplaces, homes and health-care settings, the Premier said.
"The numbers will keep going up until we change things.
"These harsh measures are the harshest Australia has ever faced in a lock down — can I make that very clear."
Police Commissioner Mick Fuller sought extra powers for police to ensure compliance in the eight LGAs, and said thousands of extra police would be out to enforce the new rules.
"We know that the numbers are too high today. We all want to come out of lockdown. These new powers, the additional police into these areas, is about getting us out of lockdown sooner," he said.
The fine for not wearing a mask has been increased from $200 to $500.
On Thursday Commissioner Mick Fuller also made a formal request to the Federal Government for 300 Australia Defence Force (ADF) personnel to boost the NSW Police force's operational capacity.
Last week it was revealed the Premier had declined an earlier offer for assistance from the ADF.
There are 182 people in hospital with the virus. Of those, 54 are in intensive care, with 22 on ventilators.
Sixty-six people were infectious in the community, and 22 of the new cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period.
The isolation status of 70 cases remains under investigation.
There was also a new COVID-19 death recorded.
A man in his 80s from south west Sydney died yesterday afternoon at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Dr Chant issued a dire warning, as the situation in NSW continues to deteriorate.
"At this level of cases, we are going to continue to see further deaths. And, sadly, too many elderly people in our communities are not protected," she said.
Police Minister David Elliott said 15,000 calls had been received by police since last weekend’s CBD protest.
He acknowledged delays in getting through to Crime Stoppers, given the high volume of calls, and encouraged people to persist in reporting breaches of health orders.
