New South Wales has recorded 18 local cases of Covid-19 overnight as Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed a decision will be made on Wednesday as to whether Sydney s lockdown will end on time on Friday night.
Of those locally-transmitted cases, 11 were in isolation for the entire time they were infectious, but two were infectious while out in the community.
Ms Berejiklian said another five were self-isolating for part of their infectious period.
Authorities have linked all but two of the 18 cases - nine of which are household contacts - to known cases. The new infections were reported from 32,136 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm.
The numbers of mystery cases and new cases not in isolation will determine whether Sydney can get out of lockdown as planned on Friday.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Tuesday morning said the number of unlinked - or mystery - cases was more important than the number of total cases. There s a whole team of health officials. they re looking at the numbers, whether they re linked or unlinked, and also whether there s unknown chains of transmission, Mr Hazzard told RN Breakfast.
The numbers of mystery cases and new cases not in isolation will determine whether Sydney can get out of lockdown as planned on Friday. Pictured: Rushcutters Bay Park on Sunday
“NSW wants this to be the last lockdown until we get the majority of our citizens vaccinated.”
The Premier, however, said a day or two days of lower cases did not indicate a trend.
Eighteen new local cases were recorded in the state to 8pm on Monday, with 11 in isolation for their entire infectious period. Five were only in isolation for one day of their infectious period and two were in the community.
Ms Berejiklian said the fact the Delta strain was still present in the community would have an impact on any decision about the lockdown, noting some new cases acquired their infections some time ago.
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