Premier ‘worried’ about the number of mystery cases popping up across NSW

Gladys Berejiklian has revealed what “keeps her up at night” about the virus spread in NSW – and says one key message isn’t getting through.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she is “worried” about the number of new coronavirus cases popping up where the source of transmission cannot be identified.

Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in NSW on Thursday. The source of three of those remains a mystery.

“The one thing that keeps me (up) – well, there are several things that keep me awake – but the one thing that worries me is for six weeks we have been doing really well but every week we are getting a couple of cases with no clear identifiable source,” the Premier told the Today show.

She said this showed the virus was out there in the community, mainly in the city’s southwest and western suburbs.

It comes after health authorities revealed they had been watching CCTV of people on public transport – and had found just 30 per cent of people were wearing masks.

But on Friday morning Ms Berejiklian told Today it was not yet necessary to make masks mandatory.

“We are not at that place yet. We have to remember masks are the first line of defence,” she said.

“What we really want people to do first and foremost is to come forward, get tested and isolate for two weeks if they have been asked to do so.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was no need for masks to be made mandatory just yet. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

The Premier said she had been wearing a mask when grocery shopping and was concerned that other shoppers weren’t.

“I did the grocery shop yesterday. I was wearing my mask but I was one of very few people who was wearing one. I am not sure that message is getting through,” she said.

“If I were catching a bus or a train I definitely would wear a mask … and in a place of worship.

Commuters wear face masks at Sydney’s Central Station. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

“I have made my mum take her masks to church and she has been wearing them which is really important, especially for older vulnerable people.”

She also slammed people who might have the virus but are failing to stay home and isolate.

“If you have the virus or symptoms and you think you are OK walking around in a mask, that is really dangerous,” the premier said.

On Thursday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the border would remain closed to NSW residents for “as long as the risk remains”.

“Like Victoria, we wish NSW every success in containing the virus but Queensland isn’t taking any chances,” she said.

When Ms Berejiklian was asked whether she had spoken with Ms Palaszczuk, she said they saw each other at National Cabinet but “will leave it at that”.

“She has not called me or contacted me,” she said.

“We have been trying really hard with the Victorian border. Daniel Andrews and I are in constant contact about that, and it is really hard.”