‘Extremely concerning situation’: NSW records 466 new locally-acquired COVID-19 cases and four deaths

New South Wales has recorded 466 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and four deaths, as a range of tougher compliance measures are introduced.

The deaths include a female in her 40s, a male in his 70s with pre-existing conditions, a man in his 80s, and a female in her 70s.

“We had four deaths overnight and we extend our deepest condolences to each and every one of the family and loved ones… behind each statistic is a human being with loved ones they have left behind,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

Of the new cases reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, at least 60 were infectious in the community.

The premier described the case figure as a “really concerning situation”.

It comes after the state recorded 390 local COVID-19 cases on Friday.

More ADF officers deployed, tougher restrictions introduced
The new measures were approved during Friday’s crisis cabinet meeting where leaders heard proposals from NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and Police Minister David Elliott to update compliance measures.

“It only literally takes a handful of people to do the wrong thing to have a super-spreading event and we have a major setback, so this is why the police have been given the additional resources,” Ms Berejiklian said.

An additional 500 Australian Defence Force personnel will join the NSW Police compliance operation from Monday, adding to the 550 ADF officers already assisting efforts.

“Police have every ability with that increased presence to clamp down on people doing the wrong thing,” Ms Berejiklian said.

From Monday, the NSW government will be introducing a $320 payment for those who isolate at home after having a COVID-19 test – a measure similar to the Victorian government’s $450 payment.

Unions welcomed the measure, saying economic support is necessary to ensure workers abide by the isolation requirement.

“No worker should have to choose between putting food on the table or getting tested for COVID,” Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said.

“The link between economic security and health outcomes is crystal clear. When workers face a financial penalty to test or get vaccinated, it gives the virus more chance to spread. This payment is welcome, if overdue recognition of tension.”

The fine for breaching public health orders has been increased five-fold to $5,000.

A ban is being imposed on travel to holiday homes, except for maintenance reasons when only one person can visit the premises.

The name of the person nominated to be part of the singles bubble for those in the 12 LGAs with tougher restrictions will now need to be registered with the government.

The 12 LGAs of concern are Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, and parts of Penrith.

Those leaving Greater Sydney will need to apply for a permit to prevent further spread of the virus to regional parts of the state.

“For regional New South Wales you will need a permit to go into regional New South Wales, whether you are in authorised worker, travelling to a second home because you might be a worker utilising a second home or inspecting real estate, you will need a permit, which will be effective from next Saturday.

“But between now and then police can stop you and seek evidence for what you are doing.”

The 10km limit has been reduced to 5km for all residents of Greater Sydney.

Source: sbs.com.au