Regional NSW lockdown extended to 28 August

The decision comes as NSW reported 681 cases of community transmission today, of which at least 59 were in the community while infectious.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the decision was made due to the relatively high number of cases being recorded in different parts of the state’s regions.

“The decision for that was based on the numbers that we’ve just heard - numbers like in Western New South Wales, 25 new cases overnight,” Barilaro said.

“We know that we’ve got more cases in Western News South Wales and Southern New South Wales, Hunter New England and the Central Coast so, therefore, it is starting to show clearly that there are still concerns in regional and rural New South Wales.”

“That is why we say it is right that we stay in front of the curve, that we stay in front of the spread, and we keep regional and rural New South Wales in lockdown.”

NSW yesterday hit a new daily vaccination record, with 110,000 people coming forward to get jabbed.

The state now has 53 per cent of the population vaccinated with one dose, and 28 per cent are fully vaccinated.

NSW also announced one death from COVID-18 today: a man in his 80s who died at the St George Hospital in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory recorded 16 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total number of active cases in the jurisdiction to 83.

The Territory's Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he is working with the Federal Government on developing a new support package for the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as the potential expansion of the business hardship fund. Details of these financial packages are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Updated at 11.32am AEST on 19 August.