NSW records 319 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and five deaths

NSW has recorded 319 new local COVID-19 cases and five deaths.

At least 194 are being deemed mystery cases and 83 people were infectious in the community for either whole or part of the incubation period. 

Meanwhile, the Armidale local government area in regional NSW will go into a seven-day lockdown from 5pm today, after two cases were reported.

One of the new Armidale cases was a woman who had recently travelled to Newcastle and the other new case is one of her household contacts.

Armidale lockdown triggered by two positive cases

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged people in the Armidale LGA to stay at home, adding that compliance is key.

"We have the toughest lockdown in the country at the present time. What we have happening right now is some people are not complying."

"Just stay at home - that is the circuit breaker. Stay at home and get vaccinated."

It comes after cases spread north to Newcastle earlier in the week, also prompting a seven-day lockdown. 

Dr Jeremy McAnulty said five COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.

"None of these five deaths, people who died, were vaccinated," he said. "We extend our sincere sympathies to their loved ones."

The number of COVID-19 patients receiving hospital treatment is 345, with 56 people in the intensive care unit.

Vouchers for vaccinations considered

Mr Hazzard said he was pleased by what is now a 5 per cent increase each week in vaccinations. 

Nearly 50 per cent of the adult population in the state have received one dose of the vaccine. Twenty-two per cent are fully vaccinated. 

"That is our freedom pass. Vaccination is our freedom pass," he said.

"Where we go with this situation is in the hands of the community."

He said incentives, such as local council providing vouchers, are being considered. 

"The government is discussing and working with industries to look at options that would encourage some sections of the community to have the vaccination.

But I think the broad evidence from overseas is you tend to have at least the first 40 or 50 per cent pretty keen and it is harder to get the next 40 per cent or 50 per cent."

Praise for Fairfield

He praised Fairfield residents for their compliance with testing and lockdown restrictions, saying the case numbers have decreased. 

"I wanted to say to the people of Fairfield, thank you. You had an incredible job.

"Numbers have come down dramatically but don't give up and don't stop because we need you to keep staying home and keep staying in your own household."

Dr McAnulty said the 23 new cases recorded in Penrith are concerning health officials about the spread of the virus to the area. 

"We are concerned, we are seeing a new front in the Penrith area, it seems that the epidemic seems to have marched north and a little west over the past few weeks.

"Often we are seeing large families and households, protect your family, and protect the rest of your community, please come forward for testing."

Three businesses located in Hamilton, St Marys and Forest Lodge were added to the list of exposure sites, which now number 589. 

More details to come.

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