NSW COVID cases at 112 today as Premier Gladys Berejiklian warns of longer lockdown for Sydney outbreak unless numbers drop

Gladys Berejiklian said there were 112 locally acquired infections in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday.

Of those, 34 were in the community while infectious.

That number had to get down to "close to zero" before the lockdown could end, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

There were more than 48,000 tested in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday.

"Do not go to work unless you absolutely know you do not have the virus," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Do not go to your medical centre, a pharmacist or your GP if you have symptoms.

"If you have symptoms, your first stop should be a COVID test, and stay home until you get a result.

"We don't want to run the risk of people with symptoms going to work or a medical centre while infectious."

Ms Berejiklian said anyone between 40 and 60 who wants AstraZeneca can now get it at NSW Health sites due to the change in risk.

Pharmacists would also come on board shortly to begin administering the vaccine.

She said in the coming weeks, NSW will have mass vaccination hubs across many areas opening - including the Hunter - expanding the ability for people to access the vaccine.

"Overwhelmingly, we don't want people to leave home unless they absolutely have to," she said.

"The risk is everywhere."

RELATED READING:

Hunter New England Health watered down persistent rumours that there were unannounced COVID-19 cases in the local community.

Anxiety has been high in the community as rumours circulate there have been cases in New Lambton and at John Hunter Hospital, but these were simply "not true", a local health district spokeperson said.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said of the locally acquired cases, 64 were linked to a known case or cluster - 41 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 48 cases was still under investigation.

There were 62 people admitted to hospital, 14 under the age of 35.

Of the new cases, 48 were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 12 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period; 34 cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 18 cases is still under investigation.

"If you're sick, please call ahead to your GP," she said.

"If you're going to pick up a script or medicine and you have COVID symptoms, don't do that, have a test and ask a friend or family member who doesn't have symptoms to get it for you.

"Please go and get vaccinated. Please contact your general practitioner.

"If you are younger, please be patient."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: