Covid NSW: Premier urges residents to stay strong as cases surge

Dominic Perrottet has urged residents to “stay strong” as Covid cases continue to surge. Health authorities are also warning revellers to avoid kissing and hugging on New Year’s Eve to prevent a super spreader event.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has urged the community to “stay strong” through what he described as a challenging time.

While the resolve of people was being “tested”, Mr Perrottet said the pandemic had also galvanised the community and brought out the best in people.

His comments come as the cases surged in NSW to 6288 and record numbers were recorded in other states.

Authorities fear numbers will jump again this week as tens of thousands swarmed the beaches on Saturday and the city geared up for New Year’s Eve. Health authorities urged revellers to wear masks and avoid kissing and hugging to prevent NYE from turning into a super spreader event.

Premier Dominic Perrottet is urging NSW residents to stay strong through these challenging times. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Cars lined up for Covid tests at Bondi on Christmas Day. Picture: Julian Andrews

Mr Perrottet said on Saturday while the state government would continue to monitor the emerging situation, he also urged the community to be safe and “stick to the rules”.

“After so many stops and starts and time apart, this period is so important to so many people, and we’re all doing everything we can to make it a time to cherish, while staying safe,” Mr ­Perrottet said.

“Our government will continue monitoring the situation, and we will keep ­adapting to make sure the balance is right, but getting through this period will depend on everyone working together to push through.

“That means sticking to the rules, even when it’s tough, and using your best judgment.”

Mr Perrottet acknowledged how some families would be facing disappointment with cancelled plans and urged them to stay strong.

“In some cases there will be disappointment, with cancelled bookings and plans, and I know how hard that will be,” Mr Perrottet said.

“On every front, this is a test of our resolve, but it is only when you are tested that you find out how strong you really are. Time and again the people of NSW have shown how resilient we are, and I know we will stay strong and get through this latest challenge too.”

Mr Perrottet said the community should have confidence of a brighter 2022, declaring NSW would bounce back “stronger” than ever.

Revellers are being warned not to throw all their inhibitions away as health experts try to avoid New Year’s Eve festivities turning into Covid super spreader events.

Health workers conducting Covid tests at the busy drive-through clinic in Bondi. Picture: Julian Andrews

Hundreds of thousands of people will pack Sydney’s foreshore on Friday as the famed fireworks show goes ahead without any additional restrictions.

“Wear a mask,” Australian Medical Association president Doctor Omar Khorshid said bluntly.

“If this event is going to go ahead we must do everything we can to stop the spread.

“Even outdoors, the unknown aspects of Omicron and the infectiousness of it make wearing a mask the sensible thing to do.”

Covid has taken many of our freedoms over the past two years and not even the midnight kiss is safe.

“Hugs and kisses are out this year but big smiles are in,” University of Sydney infectious diseases expert Professor Robert Booy said.

Hotel chief Craig Laundy said the latest wave had scared off revellers with bookings well down.

Mr Laundy said the long wait for test results were part of the problem with people not wanting to go out just in case they “buggered up Christmas”.

“The genie is out of the bottle,” he said, adding it was time we began living with the virus.

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