When will lockdown end?
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It's the question millions of NSW residents want answered as the state continues to battle a coronavirus outbreak.
But with another 35 new COVID cases recorded in the state yesterday and only 24 of those in isolation during their infectious period, freedom may be further away than people hope.
Those most desperate to bend the rules just might be the reason restrictions are extended, with three people testing positive to the virus after attending an illegal party at Meriton Suites in Waterloo .
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said health authorities were most concerned with the cases that were in the community during their infectious period.
"I know everybody is keen to know what is going to happen beyond Friday's lockdown, as am I, but what I can tell you with certainty is that the next couple of days will be absolutely critical," she said.
Among the new cases are two more aged care residents at SummitCare Baulkham Hills nursing home and a student at Rose Bay Public School in Sydney's east.
South Australia has eased COVID restrictions after it "dodged a bullet" with its response to growing virus numbers in other states.
Family gathering limits have been increased to 200 people, vertical drinking is back and density rules for venues have been eased.
Premier Steven Marshall said they didn't want to take any chances with the escalating numbers right across the country.
There's also plenty of positivity in Queensland with the state's four new local COVID cases all linked to previously known cases of the Alpha variant.
The state is out of lockdown, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Queenslanders they weren't entirely out of the woods.
"It appears everything is under control at this point in time so we are very, very relieved about that," Ms Palaszczuk said
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