30.07.2021
2 min read

Gladys Berejikilan gives NSW COVID update as harsher restrictions kick in for eight Sydney councils

The premier also issued a stern warning to anyone thinking of attending protests this weekend.

NSW records 170 cases of COVID-19 overnight

NSW has recorded another 170 cases of coronavirus as harsher restrictions for eight Sydney council areas kick in.

Of the new cases confirmed on Friday, 52 were in the community for all or part of their infectious period.

The result comes after 95,000 people came forward for a test in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday.

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“Given the numbers of infectious people in the community, we are expecting to see those numbers bounce around,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

“Obviously, today’s number is considerably less than yesterday but don’t assume it will be back up tomorrow because while there are so many people in the community, we expect to see those numbers bounce around.”

There are currently 187 COVID patients in hospital with 58 in intensive care.

Of those in ICU, 24 are ventilated.

‘Death sentence’

Berejiklian issued a warning to anyone who planned to attend anti-lockdown protests over the weekend.

“Can I please warn against anybody taking up illegal activity and protesting tomorrow,” she said.

“Your actions will hurt - forget about the rest of us, but you could be taking the disease home and passing it on to your parents, your siblings, your brothers and sisters or anybody you might have limited contact with.

“Do not give those you love the most a death sentence.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Credit: AAP

“This Delta strain is contagious, it’s deadly and it’s affecting people of all ages.”

Police Commissioner Mick Fuller added about 1000 officers will be deployed to deal with protesters.

More than 60 people have been charged and more than 200 fines have been handed out for people who attended an anti-lockdown protest in Sydney last weekend, Fuller added.

‘No-brainer’

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged anyone over the age of 18 to get vaccinated.

“Even one dose of the vaccine can reduce your risk of hospitalisation and death,” she said.

“We need to get those vaccines up and while the advice is for anyone over 18 to consider it, it is the fact that we haven’t got levels of coverage or high enough levels of coverage in the elderly.

“Those elderly people are going to bear the brunt of COVID.

“For me, it’s a no-brainer.

“Any person who’s got a loved one, I would pick up the phone, book them in - with their consent of course - but make those arrangements and support them to get vaccinated.”

Harsher restrictions for residents in eight Sydney council areas - Blacktown, Parramatta, Cumberland, Georges River, Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown and Campbelltown - have now kicked in.

People can now only travel within a 5km radius of their home for exercise, shopping and the single bubble.

Those who live in these areas must also wear a mask at all times when outside their homes, or risk a $500 fine.