Sydney lockdown extended, curfew introduced as NSW records 644 Covid cases

Police enforcement efforts have stepped up across Sydney and NSW after Premier Gladys Berejiklian extended lockdowns and brought in tighter Covid restrictions. NSW recorded 644 new Covid cases and four deaths. Read Friday's live blog.

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Police compliance operations across the NSW have stepped up, and Bunnings has announced the closure of its hardware, homegoods and gardening stores, after Covid regulations across the state were tightened up.

For the first time the NSW Government will impose a curfew on LGAs of concern in Sydney as the greater Sydney lockdown is extended until the end of September. 

It comes as NSW recorded 644 new Covid cases and four deaths, with at least 41 people infectious while in the community.

The curfew will be in place from 9pm to 5am in the LGAs of concern, with exceptions for critical workers. Outdoor exercise will now be limited to one hour a day in those LGAs.  

Garden centres, office supply stores, hardware stores and pet supply stores must close except for click and collect in those areas.  

Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the areas of concern must have their first vaccine dose by August 30. 

Authorised workers from the LGAs who work outside their area can only work if they get their first jab by the 30th of August, or if their workplace has rapid antigen testing. 

From next Saturday authorised workers from the areas of concern, or those entering to work will also need a permit.

Follow our live blog.

Originally published as Sydney lockdown extended, curfew introduced as NSW records 644 Covid cases

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