Sydney records highest daily rise in COVID cases, prompts tougher restrictions

Australia's biggest state economy, New South Wales, recorded 239 cases on Thursday which is the highest tally since this outbreak began in mid-June.  

Sydney's coronavirus cases have reached a new peak even after the Australian city near the end of its fifth week of stay-at-home orders. It has triggered authorities to implement further restrictions and enforce penalties for violators. Australia's biggest state economy, New South Wales, recorded 239 cases on Thursday which is the highest tally since this outbreak began in mid-June.

According to media reports, New South Wales states Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that based on the rising cases, we can only assume that things are likely to get worse. Berejikian further said mask-wearing in public would be mandated for the city's worst-hit areas, with penalties increased from a A$200 ($147) fine to A$500. Stricter travel restrictions will be implemented, and thousands of additional police officers are being tasked with ensuring compliance.

On Wednesday, Berejiklian confirmed the city's lockdown will be implemented for at least nine weeks, after being extended for a third time until August 28.  
The city's outbreak has since swelled -- fueled by the spread of the highly contagious delta variant -- with nearly 3,000 cases reported since mid-June.

Earlier in July, PM Morrison said state and territory leaders had agreed to map out a pathway to switch from virus suppression to focus on reducing the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. While the National Cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss the nation's exit strategy from Covid Zero, Morrison has indicated he's unlikely to announce the vaccination targets needed to start opening back up for several weeks.