Two Illawarra residents are among 478 new locally acquired COVID-19 infections recorded in NSW, the largest daily increase in case numbers since the pandemic began.
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One of the region's residents lives in the Wollongong local government area and is a close contact of an earlier Wollongong case, and they are isolating at home.
The second, a Shellharbour resident, is isolating outside the region and their infection is linked to work in Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the number of locally acquired cases detected in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday was "disturbingly high".
At least 91 of the new cases were infectious in the community for some time, with the status of 290 still under investigation.
"Too many people are infectious in the community, and it is critical that we all heed and take part in the actions we're required to undertake," chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said.
Seven people with COVID-19 died, as well as a 15-year-old boy who died from pneumococcal meningitis and had COVID.
"The death of anyone is tragic, and it stresses the gravity of the situation that I've announced those seven deaths," Dr Chant said.
Two residents of the Illawarra are among the 391 people in hospital with COVID.
Of these, 66 patients are in intensive care and 28 need ventilation.
Ms Berejiklian said 70 per cent of cases in NSW were among people aged under 40.
In a briefing with regional journalists on Monday, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said there was a "real chance" that the statewide lockdown would extend to 14 days given the high case numbers, particularly in western NSW.
But he said there was no reason that lockdown in regional NSW could not be lifted LGA by LGA, according to the local situation.
People who test positive for COVID will now receive a text message from NSW Health as soon as the laboratory reports their result, with instructions and a contact number.
NSW Health will follow up with them as soon as possible afterwards to conduct an interview.
Dr Chant said this meant there was no delay in advising people of their positive status.
The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.
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.
