'We need to lean into AZ, particularly in NSW': PM

Scott Morrison has told the nation that suppression is still the goal for dealing with Covid-19 and over-18s need to "lean in to AstraZeneca". It came after NSW recorded 136 new Covid cases and an elderly man becames the latest virus fatality. Follow our live blog.

• This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Click here for full digital access for just $1 a week for the first 12 weeks.

Scott Morrison has told the nation that suppression remains the goal for dealing with Covid-19 in Australia, after meeting with the National Cabinet of state premiers this afternoon.

He expressed his confidence that NSW would get on top of the current outbreak, but said that "we need to lean into AstraZeneca, particularly in NSW". 

Mr Morrison said 15.4 per cent of the popularion was now vaccinated, and that the National Cabinet had a four-step plan for continuing the rollout of vaccinations across the country as quickly as possible. This includes calling on chemists to vaccinate people.

Earlier today a national emergency has been declared, after NSW recorded 136 new Covid cases and one new death.

It is the highest daily case figure reported in the state since the Bondi outbreak began and 53 of the new cases were infectious in the community.

NSW recorded 136 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/WsMXKvQOY0

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 23, 2021

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Cumberland and Blacktown LGAs will join southwest Sydney and be subject to the stricter movement restrictions.

"The crisis cabinet meeting of the NSW Government met this morning where (chief health officer) Dr Chant and her team advised us that the situation that exists now in NSW, namely, around southwestern and now western Sydney suburbs, is regarded as a national emergency," she said.

Workers will not be able to leave the Cumberland and Blacktown LGAs unless they work in health, aged care or are on the authorised list.

Ms Berejiklian called on the federal government to prioritise vaccines for south-west Sydney. Over the weekend the government will be working on a roadmap to leaving lockdown, that will be announced in the coming days.

The premier also announced the death of another NSW resident - an 89-year-old man - but further details will be released after family is notified.

Follow live updates below.

Originally published as 'We need to lean into AZ, particularly in NSW': PM