Covid Sydney: Dr Kerry Chant warns of 'emerging risk', 78 new cases
The number of daily Covid-19 cases in NSW dropped on Tuesday for the third consecutive day, offering a glimmer of hope Sydney's stringent lockdown is beginning to have its desired effect.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a further 78 locally acquired cases, down from the 98 announced on Monday.
She said it was "pleasing" to see such a drop, but there was considerably more work to do.
Of the new cases, 29 were in the community for the entirety of their infectious period. A further 11 were partly in the community while infectious.
"That's the number we really want to bring down," she once again reiterated to the community. Ms Berejiklian has repeatedly warned that statistic needs to be as close to zero as possible for the lockdown to end.
A fifth death of the latest outbreak, confirmed in the media on Monday, was included in Tuesday's statistics.
The woman in her 50s is reportedly the mother of twin-brother removalists who police allege knew they had Covid while making a trip into regional NSW.
There are currently 95 cases admitted to hospital, with 27 people in intensive care, 11 of whom require ventilation.
The new cases were diagnosed from 62,860 tests undertaken in the 24-hours until 8pm on Monday.
Ms Berejiklian also issued a call to those in the Canterbury-Bankstown local council area to come forward for testing, while there was added concern around Hurstville and Kogarah.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said she was "concerned about the emerging risk" in those areas.
Not a time to be friendly, Dr Chant warns
Dr Chant said it was vital residents changed their behaviour while they were out of the home.
She said too many people were stopping to chat with people they know when out on essential or exercise outings.
"We need to limit our movements. We need to consider whenever we leave our house that anyone we come into contact with could convey the virus. So whilst it is in human nature to engage in conversation with others, to be friendly, unfortunately, this is not the time to do that," Dr Chant said.
So even if you run into your next door neighbour, in the shopping centre, at Coles or Aldi or any other grocery shop, don't start up a conversation. Now is the time for minimising your interactions with others.
"Even if you've got a mask. Do not think that affords total protection."
But Ms Berejiklian said the majority of people cooperating with the stay-at-home orders meant the lockdown was working.
"I know that if we all work together we can quash it," she said.
Seven fined over alcohol-fuelled birthday party
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said it was still evident people were breaching Covid restrictions "for very selfish reasons".
He highlighted a party detected by police in the CBD where seven people were fined.
"Seven people in a small office suite. Birthday cake, alcoholic drinks, birthday food, and a person passed out on the floor.
"No evidence of any mask wearing, no good reason to be in that office suite, no good reason to have a party."
A total of 1418 people have now been diagnosed with the virus since the outbreak began on June 16.
People living in Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong, and Shellharbour are in the fourth week of a lockdown.
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