Four Wollongong area residents are among a record 239 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases reported in NSW.
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Three of these people are close contacts of a Wollongong case that was reported on Wednesday, and they are all isolating at home.
The case reported on Wednesday was initially under investigation but has now been linked to a known Sydney case.
Investigations continue into the source of infection for the fourth case revealed on Thursday.
This person is in isolation outside the region.
All four new cases are recorded as residents of the 2500 postcode, which includes Wollongong, Coniston, Gwynneville and Keiraville.
NSW Health data shows there are 13 active cases within the Wollongong local government area: three in the 2508 postcode, six in the 2500 postcode, and four in the 2530 postcode.
Active cases are people with COVID-19 who are in isolation and being clinically monitored by NSW Health.
With the lockdown now in its fifth week and daily case numbers continuing to creep upwards, the state government has announced a crackdown on those breaking the public health restrictions.
Those who fail to wear a mask when required will now be fined $500, up from $200.
Police have the power to shut down businesses, construction sites and public premises that pose a risk to public health.
A new police operation will see officers brought in from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command and general duties.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has also requested the assistance of 300 Australian Defence Force personnel to help monitor and enforce compliance.
It has not yet been determined whether any ADF members will be tasked to the Illawarra.
Of the 239 new cases detected in the 24 hours to 8pm Wednesday, 66 people were infectious in the community, another 22 were in the community for part of their infectious community, while the status of 70 cases is under investigation.
"Based on those numbers, we can only assume that things are likely to get worse before they get better, given the quantum of people infectious in the community, " Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
Two Sydney residents, a woman in her 90s and a man in his 80s, died from the virus on Wednesday, bringing the number of lives lost during this outbreak to 13.
There are 182 patients with COVID-19 in hospital, with 54 people in intensive care, 22 of whom require ventilation.
None of the cases within the Wollongong area are hospitalised.
A record 110,962 people were tested for COVID in one day, compared with the previous day's total of 94,532.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
