NSW Covid updates: Lockdown confirmed after 177 new cases

The Prime Minister has today announced a boost in support for businesses and workers as the Greater Sydney lockdown is extended by four weeks. Read Wednesday's live blog.

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Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed Sydney's lockdown will be extended for another four weeks after the state recorded 177 new Covid cases.

Stay at home orders now remain in place until August 28 for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong.

The premier also tightened rules around shopping with locked down residents only able to visit shops in their local government area or within 10kms of their home. People can shop further than the 10km limit if the item is not available locally.

NSW recorded 177 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/UPgvzflhFm

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 28, 2021

People living in Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River council areas will only be able to leave their LGA for work if they are authorised workers.

The three new LGAs will be added to the list of hotspot areas of most concern.

Ms Berejiklian said year 12 students will return to school for face-to-face learning on Monday August 16. The NSW Government will prioritise vaccinations for students aged between 16 and 18 living in Sydney's eight high-risk LGAs.

Of today's new cases, at least 48 were in the community for their entire infectious period. 

NSW has also recorded an 11th death since the Delta outbreak began in Bondi after a woman aged in her 90s died at Liverpool Hospital on Tuesday.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the woman was not vaccinated and tested positive to Covid on July 24.

Read Wednesday's live blog.

Originally published as NSW Covid updates: Lockdown confirmed after 177 new cases