NSW government extends Greater Sydney lockdown

As expected, the NSW government has extended the lockdown for Greater Sydney by four weeks, due to low COVID-19 vaccination rates across the state.

The extension of the stay-at-home orders means residents across Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, will have to wait until at least Saturday 28 August before they can exit lockdown.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the extra time will allow residents to significantly increase the uptake of vaccines in areas most affected by the current outbreak and across the state.

Berejiklian warned that higher vaccination rates and following the health orders are the only way to guarantee the further easing of restrictions.

“Though the Pfizer supply is insufficient, there is plenty of AstraZeneca, and updated federal health advice recommends anyone aged 18 and over in Greater Sydney should access the jab,” she said.

“If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can, especially if you live in an LGA of concern.”

The extended lockdown comes with changes to restrictions for Greater Sydneysiders in regard to shopping, work, construction and education.

A ‘singles bubble’ will also be introduced from Saturday, allowing people who live alone to nominate one designated family member or friend to visit for companionship. Restrictions will apply for people in the LGAs of concern.

News of Greater Sydney’s extended stay-at-home orders comes as the lockdown shackles were broken for Victoria and South Australia today.

Featured image source: ABC News