26 June 2021
New lockdowns have been announced for Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast - with residents living and working in these areas told to remain at home from 6pm (local time) today.
New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian signalled tougher restrictions were likely after the state recorded 12 new locally acquired Covid-19 infections since its update yesterday.
Seventeen new infections had already been reported, meaning there were a total of 29 locally acquired infections in the 24 hours to 8pm (local time) yesterday.
Ms. Berejiklian said the situation in the state was "evolving".
Speaking after a crisis cabinet meeting today, Berejiklian said people in the four areas were required to stay home until Friday, 9 July, unless for four reasons: work or education outside the home if it is necessary, to seek medical attention, for care and compassionate grounds and to purchase essential goods or services.
Another four Sydney local government areas - the City of Sydney, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra - began a week of lockdown at 11.59pm last night.
The premier said health authorities were particularly concerned today's 12 new cases could not be traced back to those local government areas.
"The NSW government will take any necessary action it needs to take," the premier said.
"We don't want to impose burdens unless we absolutely have to, unfortunately, we have to."
There were 55,227 tests reported to 8pm (local time) yesterday, compared with the previous day's total of 47,603.
This is the highest number of Covid-19 tests in one day since 23 December 2020, when 60,184 tests were recorded.
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Yours sincerely
Frank Short
