NSW Covid updates: 44 new cases, lockdown rules tightened

Gladys Berejiklian has introduced tough new restrictions, including staying within 10km of your home to exercise, and wearing masks in the common areas of strata buildings. Follow Friday's blog.

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New, tighter Covid restrictions have been announced in a public health order which came into force at 5pm Friday, after NSW earlier recorded 44 new Covid cases including 29 not in isolation or only partially for their infectious periods.

On top of earlier rules outlined in the Premier's morning press conference, people living in Greater Sydney - including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour - will have abide by the following restrictions:

• Adults must carry proof of address while exercising, to prove they are in their local government area of within 10km of home;
• Under the health order, people must provide their ID if stopped by police while exercising outdoors; and 
• People must wear masks in the common areas of strata building, including the lobby and laundry.

Earlier today, the restrictions announced by the Premier, to come into force at 5pm Firday, were:

• Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
• People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
• Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
• Funerals limited to ten people in total (this will take effect from Sunday, 11 July).

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Ms Berejiklian said NSW was facing the "biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started."

"Unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the numbers, I can't see how we would be in a position to ease restrictions by next Friday."

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said she was “incredibly concerned” by the large new numbers.

There are 10 positive cases in the ICU, including a person in their 20s and a person in their 30s. There are currently over 14,000 close contacts identified, up from 7,000 yesterday.

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NSW recorded 44 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/Z7g7eyzT2d

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 9, 2021