Calls for Sydney lockdown as COVID-19 cases grow amid new Croydon cluster

There are fears the true number of COVID cases in Sydney right now is significantly higher, sparking calls for an immediate shutdown of the city.

Pressure is mounting for Gladys Berejiklian to send all of Sydney into lockdown after the state recorded a massive 18 cases over the last 24 hours.

This news comes amid fears of a new Croydon cluster in Sydney’s inner west. Wednesday’s figures reported six new coronavirus cases that were linked to three families in the area. An additional 34 close contacts have also been associated with the cluster, with a warning from the Premier that more cases will arise due to the “extended family’s movements”.

However, speaking to ABC, physician and broadcaster Dr Norman Swan said we likely undiagnosed the virus by “at least a factor of three” and that the state’s virus figures could be closer to 450 to 500 cases.

Instead he said NSW should instead opt for an “act fast, act early, beg for forgiveness later” approach which includes a citywide lockdown, mandatory mask wearing and reconsidering major events like hosting the 2021 Test Match between Australian and India.

“The precautionary principle is act fast, act early, beg for, forgiveness later because there nice prizes for being late to this party,” he said.

“So effectively doing what Victoria did but doing it probably a bit earlier than Victoria did to prevent a serious second wave.

“We’ve been relying in New South Wales on the absolute fantastic work of the contact tracers, it is truly amazing, they’re working incredibly hard … but it won’t take long for that to be overwhelmed.”

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Despite growing concerns, the Premier says NSW still has a ‘handle’ on the cluster. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Despite this, when asked whether Sydney would enter a 10-day preventive lockdown, Ms Berejiklian told reporters: “Health advice doesn’t request it at this stage.”

She said: “The health advice is still such that we have a handle on current outbreak.

“The data we get is ongoing information to us and if the health advice ever changes, I have demonstrated already my Government is quick to act. We will change the settings in place.”

Instead, the Premier called for increased testing and asked residents to follow the public health orders.

“I indicated yesterday and the day before that Greater Sydney is on high alert and that’s certainly magnified,” she said.

“We’re also relying on people exercising their common sense and not putting themselves in a situation which makes them or their family member vulnerable.

“No matter what great policies or health orders we have in place, you can’t cover every single exceptional circumstance and that’s why common sense is so important.”

A sharp rise in cases and the emergence of a new cluster justify a lockdown, experts say. Picture: David Swift.

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This comes as several people on social media have called for Sydney to go into lockdown to stop the spread, with Dr Swan a vocal advocate.

“The Premier just said that NSW always acts on the precautionary principle. If so, on the basis of the numbers and locations, now is the time for a Greater Sydney lockdown,” tweeted Dr Swan, who is also the host of Radio National’s Health Report.

Many Twitter users echoed his sentiments.

“There is no room for ‘hoping’ half measures will bring this under control. The infection map is growing, spreading like a … virus, at a time of year when we holiday and celebrate. Sydney metro/regional border lockdown + travel distance restrictions + masks,” shared another Twitter user.

“Eighteen new COVID cases in Sydney and with the fear around a Croydon cluster, it is time for [Gladys Berejiklian] to plan a Greater Sydney Lockdown, not a cricket match.”

The Premier just said that NSW always acts on the precautionary principle. If so on the bases of the numbers and locations now is the time for a Greater Sydney lockdown.

— Norman Swan (@normanswan) December 30, 2020

Don't need to be a genius to know by now that Sydney is going into lockdown. Gladys will be the last one to accept the fact.

— Robin Mavrick (@robin_mavrick) December 30, 2020

The only way Sydney can avoid a full blown second wave is to do an immediate 2 week hard lockdown. The window of opportunity is closing fast.

— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside) December 30, 2020

There’s no magic “force field” at the SCG. Why is everyone else limited to gatherings of 30 ppl max but we’re letting 20,000 ppl congregate from all over the city by public transport to watch cricket?

— Dr Darren Saunders (@whereisdaz) December 30, 2020

Many have also called for masks to be mandated. As it currently stands, NSW Health “strongly recommend people wear masks while indoors and on public transport, at the supermarket, shops and at entertainment venues if physical distancing of 1.5m is unable to be maintained”.

Questioning this directive, one Twitter user wrote: “The Premier just said that NSW ‘always acts on the precautionary principle’. If that were true, would she not have mandated the use of masks on public transport?”

All this political agony over NYE in Sydney yet they don’t mandate masks which would reduce risk. Hard to understand the reasoning.

— Norman Swan (@normanswan) December 27, 2020

I think Sydney is VERY lucky that it’s summer. Please make masks compulsory for next month. It’s such a simple & effective step

— Lesley Podesta (@podesta_lesley) December 29, 2020

There are times that we as members of public need to take charge and do it ourselves. So please don't wait for the government to mandate it, just wear masks please

— Ram (@Ram77418743) December 30, 2020

In response to Wednesday’s 18 new cases, Ms Berejiklian has announced tighter restrictions for Greater Sydney which will come into effect from Wednesday midnight.

Household gatherings have been restricted to five visitors, while outdoor gatherings have been reduced from 50 to 30. Although restrictions for the northern zone of the northern beaches have been remained the same, those living in the southern zone will also only be allowed five visitors per household, including children, and all visitors must be from the same zone.

NSW Health have also asked residents to limit non-essential gatherings over the New Year period.

“These changes come into effect from midnight tonight (Wednesday, December 30) and will be in place until further notice,” they said in a statement.

“People are encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings over the New Year period where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.”