NSW situation "stabilising" but too many still infectious in community, says Premier

But with 28 of the new cases in the community while infectious, the Premier says that number is still too high and needs to hit zero for lockdown settings to ease.

"Whilst the case numbers are bouncing around, we are seeing a stabilisation - they are not growing exponentially - which tells us that the settings we have in place are having an impact," the Premier said.

"But the next challenge for us is to see a drop in the numbers of people infectious in the community.

"Our collective effort is having an impact, but we need to make sure that we do not let our guard down."

As such, both Berejiklian and the state's chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant have urged those in lockdown to stay home unless necessary and get tested if even the slightest of symptoms present.

While Dr Chant says those in Sydney should act as if COVID is "everywhere", she is particularly concerned about a case who was in the Emu Plains community while infectious as they are unlinked to any other known case.

"We're asking for anyone in Emu Plains to get tested, even for the most minor symptoms," Dr Chant said.

This case and a previously announced case in Emu Plains both visited the Lennox Village Shopping Centre, so anyone who was at the centre on Saturday 10 July from 3.45-5pm is a casual contact and anyone specifically at Woolworths between 4-4.45pm is a close contact.

Chemists, medical centres and supermarkets continue to be leading sources of transmission outside the home.  

In terms of the number of NSW COVID-19 hospitalisations, there are currently 19 people in the intensive care unit, of which five are ventilated.

Updated at 11.32am AEST on 15 July 2021.