Photo: ODT filesGreater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong will go into a 14-day lockdown as health authorities try to regain control of a coronavirus outbreak that has ballooned to 80 cases. While authorities will reassess the need for the lockdown in a week, Ms Berejiklian said, it is unlikely to be shortened. The restrictions are required to ensure the virus doesn't take hold in the regions if Sydney travellers unknowingly spread it there, the premier said. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the level of concern from health authorities and government was "extraordinary". Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the virus was moving too fast for contact tracing to shut it down.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 26, 2021 04:41 UTC