Sydney: Australia’s biggest city Sydney posted a record one-day rise in local COVID-19 cases on Thursday, forcing authorities to increase police powers to shut down businesses not complying with lockdown measures.
According to reports, New South Wales, Australia’s biggest state economy, recorded 239 new cases Thursday — the highest tally since this outbreak started in Sydney in mid-June and up from 177 the day before.
At least 70 cases were active in the community while infectious, concerning health officials that the delta-variant of the coronavirus may further spread in the city of almost 6 million people.
New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian 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 restrictions began on June 26, when 12 new cases were recorded in the local community.
