Number of NSW COVID-19 cases passes 1400 -sharenews
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in NSW has jumped as the government warns it's starting to see cases of infection from "unknown sources" in the community, reinforcing its message to stay at home as much as possible.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW rose by 186 to stand at 1405 Friday. Some 877 of those people were infected overseas and 278 were infected locally from contact with a confirmed case or a known cluster.
But of those 278 local cases, the source infection for 145 is unknown, causing great concern amongst health authorities.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged people to be vigilant and do the right thing, adding no-one should be leaving their homes unless they have to.
"The one figure that we are most worried about is the number of people that are getting it within the community," Ms Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
"That tells us we are starting to see the increasing spread from unknown sources".
It comes as the NSW government prepares to announce a second round of economic stimulus measures.
The new package is worth about $750 million comes on top of the $2.3 billion announced last week and will include tax relief for pubs, clubs and hotels and some rental relief for small businesses working out of government-owned buildings, the ABC reported on Friday.
"Our expectation is that any relief provided by the NSW government will be used to contribute to help businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs," Treasurer Dominic Perrottet told the ABC.
The premier said on Thursday police would ramp up their public presence and that no cruise ship passengers would be permitted to disembark in NSW until further notice.
She said protocols on disembarkation needed tightening and that she was working with the Australian Border Force on new measures.
Meanwhile, new figures show Waverley Council in Sydney's eastern suburbs has recorded the highest number of confirmed coronavirus.
The local government area has had 105 cases of COVID-19, according to data published on the NSW Health website on Thursday.
The Sydney LGA has recorded 69, while Northern Beaches and Woollahra have recorded 68 and 66 cases respectively.
Ms Berejiklian said the government was "looking very closely" at the impact of Monday's shutdowns on pubs, cinemas and churches. If they weren't sufficient, further action would be taken.
NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said the full effect of the second stage of shutdowns - in place from Thursday - wouldn't be known for some days.
Five people in NSW were handed infringement notices on Thursday for flouting coronavirus public health orders.
Police have the power to hand out fines of $1000 to individuals and $5000 to businesses that breach public health orders or ministerial directions.
© AAP 2020
