NSW reports 239 new Covid-19 cases
Radio New Zealand has just reported this afternoon, Thursday, that the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has recorded 239 new locally acquired cases overnight, and at least 70 of them were infectious in the community.
There were 110,962 Covid-19 tests processed in the past 24 hours.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said people living in a local government area of concern, from midnight tomorrow, could only move within a 5km radius of their home.
"So it doesn't matter what the reason is. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you have to make sure you do not move within a 5km radius of your home.
The Premier has introduced new restrictions in eight local government areas (LGAs) where the spread of Covid-19 is most pronounced.
From 12:01am tomorrow (local time), residents in Georges River, Parramatta, Blacktown, Cumberland, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Campbelltown 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 rate of transmission in workplaces, homes and health care settings, the Premier said.
Police Commissioner Mick Fuller sought extra powers for police to ensure compliance in the eight LGAs. He said thousands of extra police would be out to enforce the new rules.
"We know that the numbers are too high today," he said.
"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."
The fine for not wearing a mask has been increased from $200 to $500.
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.
Chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant issued a dire warning, as the situation in NSW deteriorated.
"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.
Source and quoting Radio New Zealand.
Comment.
The message from this - PLEASE GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID -19
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
