NSW Covid updates: 97 new cases, Sydney lockdown extended

Hundreds of people are waiting in massive queues for testing in Fairfield as the virus spreads across Sydney. Read Wednesday's blog.

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The Greater Sydney lockdown will be extended for at least another two weeks after NSW recorded 97 new Covid cases.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the stay at home order, which also includes the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour is now expected to end at 11.59pm on Friday July 30.

Homeschooling and online learning for students will also continue for two more weeks.

Of today's new cases, 24 were infectious in the community and 70 were detected in Sydney's southwest.

A 24/7 Covid testing clinic has opened at Endeavour Sports Park in Fairfield while clinics in the LGA have extended their opening hours to deal with a new rule mandating testing every 72 hours for essential workers.

NSW recorded 97 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/YfNptxyua5

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 14, 2021

It comes after Treasurer Dominic Perrottet apologised for long waiting times at testing clinics in the Fairfield LGA.

"On behalf of the government I apologise to everyone in Fairfield for this significant inconvenience but also say thank you for the sacrifices they're making," Mr Perrottet told 2GB's Ben Fordham.

NSW Health clarified on Tuesday the testing rule would be delayed following the crowding at test sites, but would be fully enforced by Saturday July 17.

Follow today's live updates below