Reason why Sydney won‘t go into lockdown revealed, but citizens warned ‘further action’ could be taken

Sydney won’t be thrown into a lockdown at this stage, but the Premier has warned she hasn’t ruled out ‘further action’.

The NSW Premier has stamped out concerns a lockdown would be implemented in Sydney, explaining authorities are aware of where the Covid-19 “super spreading” has circulated.

As the city continues to grapple with its recent outbreak, the state saw 16 new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 recorded on Wednesday, bringing the Bondi cluster to a total of 37 infections.

A number of those new cases are linked to a superspreader birthday party in Sydney’s western suburbs.

Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Wednesday that all options to squash the city’s recent outbreak were explored, but said Sydneysiders would not be “burdened” with a lockdown unless it was absolutely necessary.

Last night there were large queues at the Bondi Beach drive-through Covid-19 testing clinic, as the cluster in Sydney's eastern suburbs continues to grow. Picture: Christian Gilles

“We know where the super spreading events have been, we know where the virus is circulating, and we don't want to take any further action than what we have now,” she said.

“But, this relies on all of us reining in our behaviour (and) following the health orders that are coming into place from 4pm.

“I am confident that if we adhere to the health orders, we will have a good chance of getting on top of this outbreak.”

Under the raft of new restrictions announced today, all non-essential travel outside of Sydney has been banned, unless people need to visit a relative in care or have to travel for work.

Masks were also made mandatory everywhere, including workplaces.

The one person per four square metre rule has also been reintroduced for all indoor and outdoor settings.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF RESTRICTIONS HERE: NSW bans travel outside of Sydney and more state borders close

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Sydney would not be thrown into a lockdown at this stage because health authorities were aware of where Covid-19 spreading events occurred. Picture: Damian Shaw / NCA NewsWire

While Ms Berejiklian’s position on avoiding a lockdown remained firm, she warned tougher measures were not completely ruled out for the future.

She said authorities had long-listened to the health advice and acted accordingly.

“If we need to take further action within the week or after the week, we are open to that.

“I am not going to rule out further action … but we just don't know yet because the situation is evolving.

“We certainly didn’t expect this situation a few days ago.

“But, that is what responding to a pandemic means; you look at the facts, you look at the response, you look at where the spread is or isn’t occurred and you act accordingly.”