27 Jul 2021

NSW records 172 new Covid-19 cases as focus now on western Sydney

1:43 pm on 27 July 2021

New South Wales has recorded 172 new locally-acquired Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday.

A health worker collects swab samples from a resident at a Covid-19 testing clinic in Sydney on July 17, 2021. (Photo by Steven SAPHORE / AFP)

Photo: AFP

Sixty of those cases are known to have been in the community while infectious.

A further 19 cases were in isolation for only part of their infectious period and the isolation status of another 32 cases are under investigation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the main focus of concern had shifted to Western Sydney.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says Covid-19 numbers are stabilising.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian Photo: AFP

"We are now seeing the virus becoming more prevalent in Western Sydney than south-west Sydney," she said.

The Premier said she was hoping to announce whether the lockdown affecting Greater Sydney and its surrounds would be extended past July 31 "as early as tomorrow".

"I just ask everybody for their patience," she said.

"I know it's a very difficult and frustrating time."

There was better news for the state's Central West, with the Premier flagging that the lockdown in Orange, Blayney and Cabonne local government areas could be lifted tonight.

"The health advice is very promising in that regard, there'll be a message sent out later today," she said.

Meanwhile, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed the state's lockdown will end at midnight (local time), with schools and some workplaces due to open again tomorrow.

- ABC

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