New Covid restrictions as NSW cases surge
NSW has announced a number of new Covid restrictions as part of Greater Sydney's coronavirus lockdown.
The state recorded a further 44 new locally acquired cases on Friday, an increase on the 38 announced on Thursday.
It is the highest number of NSW daily infections since the pandemic's first wave in early 2020.
As Sydneysiders face at least another week in lockdown, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has tightened the rules in a desperate bid to curb the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant.
Ms Berejiklian added the new restrictions would be in place from 5pm today.
New restrictions for Greater Sydney
Exercise in groups of two only - households however are allowed to exercise together
Ten kilometre limit for exercise
No carpooling with people from outside your household
Funerals limited to 10 people only
One person from the home at a time is allowed to shop for essentials
Can I visit my partner?
Ms Berejiklian stressed again nobody was allowed to have people over to their home, however people were still allowed to visit intimate partners.
"Nobody is allowed into your house. Nobody outside of your household is allowed into your house," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The only exception is if you are receiving care by people, one person, dropping off essential good or for health reasons or exceptional circumstances.
"But nobody should be coming into your home. Nobody out of your household. And household means whoever lives there normally.
"The health orders have exceptions to that, but the basic message is there is no limit ... there is no number now that says you can have a certain number into your house."
Ms Berejiklian said the rules had not changed around being allowed to visit the home of an intimate partner.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard reiterated it was permitted under the current lockdown orders.
"What we are doing is trying to strike a balance of compassion and common sense," he told reporters.
"So if you have a partner who doesn't live with you, obviously your intimate partner can attend."
Police crack down on lockdown breaches
Some 21 of Friday's reported cases were in southwest Sydney, and at least 100 extra police officers will descend on the southwest to ensure lockdown compliance.
Police will be asking people outside their homes what their reasonable excuse is, and will crack down on activities like unnecessary shopping.
Ms Berejiklian has previously suggested Greater Sydney and surrounding regions will likely remain in lockdown until the current outbreak is significantly curtailed. It's currently due to end on July 16.
with AAP
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