NSW Covid Updates: Statewide shutdown as new rules kick in

Every single person who lives in NSW is now under strict lockdown restrictions as authorities fight desperately to control the Delta strain's spread. Read our Covid blog. 

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NSW is waking to the state's toughest Covid restrictions yet as the fight to beat the Delta strain intensifies.

Tough new rules are in force as of midnight, with all Greater Sydney residents barred from travelling more than five kilometres from their homes for exercise or shopping.

Locals can still travel within their LGA to get essentials which aren't available within the 5km radius, though it is compulsory to carry ID.

Police will amp up their presence in the 12 hotspot LGAs from today, with riot squad officers and highway patrol out in force with the help of 500 extra ADF troops, including traffic stops and doorknocking. 

Hefty new fines are also in place for rulebreakers, with lying to a contact tracer costing $5000 instead of $1000 and $3000 for breaking the two person exercise rule or travelling to regional NSW without a reasonable excuse. 

STAY AT HOME ORDER - ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS

New restrictions have been introduced for all of Regional NSW from 5pm 14 August, with additional restrictions for all of NSW including Greater Sydney from 12:01am 16 August.

For more info: https://t.co/wyrQwH6TUY pic.twitter.com/RrTE7S6SZs

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 15, 2021

Regional NSW is on day two of a week of lockdown as cases begin to spread in the state's west, with stay at home orders in place.

Residents need to carry a mask with them at all times. 

Dr Kerry Chant warned NSW was at a "fork in the road" when it came to the fight against Covid.

"We are at a fork in the road and we have to decide what path we’re going to choose,” she said.

“The path I want is one where I see declining case numbers and increasing vaccination uptake."

Follow below for Monday morning's updates.

Originally published as NSW Covid Updates: Statewide shutdown as new rules kick in

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