Crisis talks held over possible lockdown extension in regional NSW

Millions of NSW residents could be dealt another blow, with crisis talks held today expected to determine if the regional lockdown should be extended.

Residents in regional NSW could have their lockdown extended for a third time, with crisis talks held on Wednesday to decide whether to extend the statewide stay-at-home orders.

The regional NSW lockdown was set to expire on August 28 but given infections continue to plague the regions, particularly in the state’s far west, the government may have no option but to extend.

“In terms of regions, many areas are settling and stabilising but western NSW remains a concern,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Tuesday.

Her deputy, John Barilaro, issued an urgent plea to those in western NSW after revealing there were 36 cases in the area, which included 14 in the far west.

“Today I want to call out in relation to vaccine in the regions, we want to keep vaccine rates high. Want to keep up with what is occurring in Sydney and ensure we have access points in areas in regional and rural NSW that are falling behind,” he said.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro will hold a crisis meeting on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Fragments of Covid-19 had also been detected at a sewage treatment plant in Cobar, with residents urged to monitor for symptoms.

Speaking to local media on Tuesday night, Mr Barilaro said it would be made clear at the meeting what was required for certain local government areas to be freed of lockdown measures, taking into account case numbers and sewage surveillance.

But whatever the government decided needed to be a “long term” plan, he said.

“My view would be whatever we decide on for the announcement for post-this weekend needs to be long term, you can't go week by week,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I’ve never been a fan of week by week and I was confident we could get out of this in the first seven days and it’s not the case.”

There were concerns for western NSW. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The deputy premier said it was essential to “be upfront” so businesses in the region could prepare.

He also flagged the possibility of putting more restrictions on Sydney-based construction workers so they cannot travel to the regions and spread the virus.

Seven cases have been confirmed in Orange. Six of those were linked to Sydney construction workers but one remains unlinked.

NSW recorded 753 cases on Tuesday, a drop on the previous days which broke the 800 mark. It had offered residents a glimmer of hope, but chief health officer Kerry Chant said one day did not indicate a trend.

Of the new cases, 134 were linked to a known case or cluster – 108 were household contacts and 26 were close contacts.

But there were 619 cases still yet to be linked. The isolation status of 609 infections was also unknown.

Originally published as Crisis talks held over possible lockdown extension in regional NSW