NSW records another 110 new cases with 43 infectious in the community

Another 110 new cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in NSW, with an alarming 43 of those in the community while infectious.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said almost 84,000 people came forward for testing in the latest 24 hour reporting period, the biggest day for testing since the pandemic began.

“That is a high number but a number which reflects the high amount of testing that we had,” she said.

The staggering number of people infectious in the community is cause for serious alarm.

Ms Berejiklian warned residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary, even if they do not have symptoms.

“You might not have any symptoms and not know you have the virus and still be infectious,” she said.

“Those 43 people haven’t necessarily done the wrong thing. But what it does show is how infectious and contagious the virus is.

“Every time you have contact with another human being you risk either getting the virus or passing the virus on.”

Of the new cases, 54 are linked to a known case or cluster - including 40 household contacts and 14 close contacts.

The source of infection for 56 cases is under investigation.

Ms Berejiklian was asked why 43 people were infectious in the community and whether those people actually understood what the consequences of their actions were.

She was also probed about whether achieving the outlined target of zero infectious cases in the community before lockdown lifts was actually possible within weeks, but the Premier failed to answer.

“The NSW Government relies on the best health advice we have and I believe we have the best experts in Australia and arguably around the world working with us,” she said.

“You might be doing the right thing but unintentionally get the disease from someone else or unintentionally carry it. That’s the cruelty.”

“If we follow the rules in place and reduce our mobility.”

NSW Health said there had been 1528 local cases since the first case was reported on June 16 - a limousine driver who transported airport crew.

The Premier also applauded people from the Fairfield area for getting tested as case numbers continue to soar in three local government areas.

“While they (cases in Fairfield LGA) remain consistently high compared to the rest of the state, we’re now seeing additional spillover in the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Fifty of the new cases are from the South Western Sydney LHD and 29 are from Western Sydney LHD.