NSW records 319 new cases and five deaths in worst day of pandemic

NSW has faced another day of record breaking case numbers and several deaths, as the state’s lockdown nears its seventh week.

NSW has recorded more than 300 new cases and five Covid deaths in the worst day since the pandemic began.

Of the 319 new local infections, at least 83 had been infectious in the community, and another 98 cases were under investigation.

The deaths included a woman in her 80s, a man in his 80s, and another man in his 90s, all of whom died at Liverpool Hospital.

All three were believed to have been infected at the hospital.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard took the lead in Saturday’s coronavirus press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

There was another man, in his 60s, who died at the same hospital but whose infection did not appear to have originated there.

An inner west resident in his 80s also died at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

The news came as Sydney’s lockdown approached its seventh week.

NSW recorded 319 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Of these locally acquired cases, 125 are linked to a known case or cluster – 108 are household contacts and 17 are close contacts – pic.twitter.com/AxHZKnF2lS

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 7, 2021

Jeremy McAnulty, a top NSW Health official, said the Liverpool Hospital cluster had affected four staff and 29 patients from a geriatric ward.

Two people had previously died after catching the virus at the hospital, bringing the total death count linked to the cluster to five.

“The hospital takes this very seriously, this is a tragedy, and everyone is working very hard at the facility and across NSW Health to protect patients and staff members,” Dr McAnulty said.

Jeremy McAnulty, a top NSW Health official, said the Liverpool Hospital cluster had affected four staff and 29 patients from a geriatric ward. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

“There are a range of measures that take place when we have cases, or exposure to cases in hospitals or other health settings, of which we’ve had many in this outbreak.”

Dr McAnulty said health staff were “very concerned” and working to understand how the hospital spread happened.

“The care of our patients is a prime concern, as well as looking after our staff,” he said.

Mr Hazzard said he was still “hopeful” of getting community transmissions down to zero, even though daily case numbers keep increasing.

“I still have hope that we’ll get back to zero,” Mr Hazzard said.