Wollongong and the rest of Greater Sydney will remain under lockdown until the end of September the premier has announced, as the government brings in new measures to curb the COVID-19 crisis.
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There were 642 new locally acquired COVID cases reported in the 24 hours to 8pm Thursday - the third consecutive day new cases topped 600 - but none were in the Illawarra.
However, fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected at the Bellambi sewage treatment plant, which serves about 82,000 people.
"These detections are of particular concern and everyone in these areas is urged to monitor for the onset of symptoms, and if they appear, to immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received," NSW Health said.
From Monday, all residents of NSW must wear a mask whenever they leave their home, unless exercising.
This rule will lift in regional areas next Saturday.
New measures have also been introduced in the local government areas of concern, including a nighttime curfew, and police have extra powers to enforce compliance.
Anyone who enters a LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse faces a $1000 fine and two weeks of isolation at home.
"We're doing everything we can, we're throwing everything at this... It is time for all of us to bunker down and take this as seriously as we can," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said yesterday.
Despite the harsh new rules, chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said she expected case numbers to continue to increase.
Whether they eventually start to fall "is in the hands of all of us", she said.
"What we need to do is break the cycle of transmission, and that is complex because of the large family sizes and seeding into workplaces," Dr Chant said.
COVID-19 vaccinations for all NSW healthcare workers will also be mandated by the end of next month, and for childcare workers and disability support workers in the council areas of concern by August 30.
A permit system for Greater Sydney residents who want to travel to NSW comes into effect on Saturday.
Anyone who needs to inspect a prospective new home (to live in, no investment properties), stay in a second home for work accommodation, conduct urgent maintenance or repairs on a second property, or travel more than 50 kilometres outside Greater Sydney for work must first obtain a permit from Service NSW.
Wollongong residents will not need a permit for work in Shellharbour, but they will need one to inspect real estate or conduct repairs on a second home.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro has confirmed that those living close to Shellharbour can still cross the border for exercise or shopping, but must remain within five kilometres of their home, as was previously allowed.
Mr Barilaro also said a decision had not been made on the extension of the $320 test and isolate payment to other areas, but areas with a "lacklustre" approach to testing would be the focus.
- With AAP
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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.
