Gladys Berejiklian snaps over lockdown Bunnings question after NSW records 233 cases

The NSW Premier has been hounded about current Covid restrictions as cases soar but she completely brushed off one particular question.

Gladys Berejiklian refused to answer one particular question about Sydney’s lockdown after the state recorded another 233 new infections overnight.

The spike in case numbers came just 12 hours after NSW Health added a staggering 174 exposure sites to its alerts list, which featured several Bunnings stores and retail outlets like The Reject Shop and other discount stores.

She was asked why these businesses were still open despite the rise in case numbers.

“Obviously the lockdown rules we have in NSW are some of the harshest our nation has seen,” she argued.

“We need people to remember every time they leave the house that they could have the virus or someone they come into contact with could have the virus.”

Gladys Berejiklian was probed about why Bunnings is open. Picture: Bianca De Marchi / NCA NewsWire

“Why is The Reject Shop open?,” a reporter interjected.

Ms Berejiklian argued non-critical retail stores should not be open and that there may be “historic situations” where health has listed a site.

“Why is Bunnings open, it is not open in Queensland?” the reporter asked again.

“Next question,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Bunnings actually is open in Queensland despite the latest outbreak.

A statement on its website says stores are open in Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.

“(Our stores) are classified as essential and remain open to ensure customers and tradespeople have access to the products they need to complete emergency repairs and maintenance around homes or to supply essential infrastructure and services, in line with government guidance,” the franchise said.

Of the new cases announced on Wednesday, 47 were infectious in the community, while a man in his 20s has died from the virus.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said the man died in his home in southwest Sydney.

NSW recorded 233 new cases. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“He was being cared for by the south western Sydney local health district during his isolation period and he’d reached the day 13,” she said.

“He was being followed up daily by nursing staff and suddenly deteriorated.”

His death was being referred to the coroner, Dr Chant said.

All non-essential retail stores were closed on July 19. Only businesses selling predominantly food and beverages, pet supplies and medical goods were supposed to remain open.

Other businesses were allowed to operate on a click and collect basis.

Bunnings is also classified as a “critical” business in Sydney and surrounds.