NSW Covid updates: 239 new cases, new restrictions

The ADF has been called in to help NSW Police after a raft of new restrictions were announced for Sydney.

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July 29, 2021 - 3:27PM

NSW records 239 new local COVID cases with 70 infectious in the community

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NSW has recorded its worst day since the pandemic began with a shocking 239 new Covid cases and 70 of those infectious in the community.

The shocking figure prompted the state government to tighten restrictions for eight high-risk Sydney local government areas.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said residents in Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River LGAs must now wear masks at all times.

"If you step foot outside your household, you need to wear a mask at all times. It doesn't matter where," she said on Thursday.

From 12.01am Friday, people in those LGAs can not move within 5kms of their home for any reason unless for exceptional circumstances.

"It doesn't matter what the reason is... you have to make sure you do not move within a 5km radius of your home. It doesn't matter whether it's for shopping. It doesn't matter whether it's for other exercising. You can't move beyond a 5km radius and that includes singles bubbles," Ms Berejiklian said.

Fines will also be increased for those not following mask rules from $200 to $500.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said two people from Sydney's southwest died from the virus on Wednesday - the 12th and 13th deaths since the Bondi outbreak began.

A woman in her 90s died at Liverpool Hospital and a man in his 80s died at Royal North Shore Hospital.

NSW recorded 239 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/aJt7MoE522
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 29, 2021