- Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow, with 633 new infections recorded — the highest number of daily cases ever recorded in NSW
- Premier Gladys Berejiklian warns Wednesday’s record is likely to be smashed though, saying NSW “hasn’t seen the worst of it yet”
- Ms Berejiklian says every person infected with the Delta strain is passing it on to at least one other person, with hospitalisations also on the rise
- Canberra notched up 22 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, while a Labor Senator confirmed her daughter tested positive for the virus
- While in Melbourne, 24 new cases of the virus have been recorded today, including one case involving a sex worker
Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow, with 633 new infections recorded — the highest number of daily cases ever recorded in NSW.
State Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned Wednesday’s record was likely to be smashed though, stating NSW “hasn’t seen the worst of it yet”.
Outbreak worsens
Ms Berejiklian said the rate of spread was concerning, with every person infected with the Delta strain passing it on to at least one other person.
“At the moment, according to the data we have, every person who has the virus is spreading it to at least more than one person,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Now, for us to know that we have reached our peak, that can’t continue.
“So what the data is telling us in the last few days is that we haven’t seen the worst of it.
“And the way that we stop this is by everybody staying at home.”
The number of hospitalisations in Sydney has risen alongside infections, with over 450 people now in hospital fighting COVID-19.
An additional three people also died after contracting the virus, including a man in his 60s and two men in their 70s.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said amid the rise in cases, further restrictions may be implemented across Sydney.
“We have ongoing discussions about what more can we do,” Dr Chant said.
“But there’s a range of strategies already that have been announced and there is a lag in the figures.
“But obviously I’m concerned. I cannot say other than the fact that I’m incredibly concerned.”
Cases increase
Canberra notched up 22 new cases on Wednesday, while a Labor Senator confirmed her daughter has contracted the virus.
Shadow Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said her teenager has tested positive for COVID-19, with the entire family now in lockdown.
This morning we were advised that my gorgeous daughter Evie has tested positive for COVID-19. One of Canberra’s 17 positive cases today.
— Katy Gallagher (@SenKatyG) August 17, 2021
My full statement is available on this link or on my Facebook page. https://t.co/uIbJlwmZIo pic.twitter.com/2iFyecwgce
While in Melbourne, 24 new cases of the virus were recorded today, with four of the infections under investigation.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley also revealed one of the positive cases was a sex worker from St Kilda, with locals in the area urged to get a COVID-19 test.
“If you have employed a sex worker in the St Kilda area you need to come forward and get tested,” Mr Foley said.