'Doing the wrong thing': NSW's daily cases more than double
Local Covid-19 cases have surged in Sydney, with NSW recording its joint-highest daily rise of the current outbreak a day after infections appeared to be dropping off.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a further 35 community cases on Monday, significantly up from the 16 cases confirmed on Sunday. Monday's total matches Saturday's 35 cases.
Seven of the new cases were in the community while infectious, while an additional four were partly in the community.
"We need to keep those testing rates up, including in the next 24 hours and crucially in the days ahead, because that will give our health experts confidence that we are not missing any chains of community transmission," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.
The premier revealed some of the new cases were a result of people flouting the lockdown.
"Some of the cases today are a result of issues or result of incidents where people have done the wrong thing," she said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said three cases were linked to a gathering at a Waterloo address as part of the Meriton Suites.
"Having a party when you're not supposed to have a party is not doing the right thing," Ms Berejiklian said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard added: "What is the thinking of some of these people?"
Ms Berejiklian pleaded with residents to do the right thing, highlighting the daunting prospect of infecting vulnerable loved ones.
"Don't under estimate the guilt anyone will feel if you unintentionally, or even worse intentionally, have symptoms and pass that on to those closest to you," she said.
Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Warboys said 125 infringement notices had been issued in the previous 24 hours but said he was pleased the majority of Sydney's five million residents appeared to be doing the right thing.
Regarding crowds in parks and public spaces, he said it was a balancing act between the public health order and allowing people to maintain mental and physical health.
'New challenges everyday' as lockdown decision nears
The current two-week lockdown in Sydney and surrounding areas is due to end on Friday, with health authorities nearing a decision on whether there is a need to extend restrictions.
Dr Chant said she could not anticipate whether the lockdown would end on time.
"Every day brings a new set of data and a new set of challenges and what we think in the morning can change in the afternoon," she said.
There were 58,373 tests reported during the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday.
There have been 312 locally acquired cases reported since June 16 when the virus was first reported in an unvaccinated limousine driver who ferried international air crew.
Four people are now in intensive care from Covid-19.
Earlier on Monday it was revealed a further two aged care residents had tested positive to the virus at the SummitCare facility in Baulkham Hills, taking the number of residents infected to five.
SummitCare Chief Operating Officer Michelle Sloane said one of the cases was unvaccinated. The female resident was seeking a vaccine but had arrived at the facility after its vaccine rollout had been completed and her jabs were currently being arranged for her.
Ms Sloane said some of the four per cent of residents unvaccinated had chosen not to and were entitled to that decision.
About two-thirds of staff at the facility are unvaccinated.
Dr Chant rejected suggestion the virus was spreading amongst residents in the facility, saying the new cases were anticipated.
"My understanding is the cases are arising in the area where we would expect the cases to occur and that any - there's quite robust infection control measures put in place and staff that may have been working at the time have been identified and put into isolation."
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