New South Wales has recorded 141 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and two related deaths.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilian said two women – one in her 70s and one in her 30s with no pre-existing conditions – died overnight.
“If anybody think this is a disease just affecting older people, please think again,” she said on Sunday.
“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to those families, their loved ones who are grieving today, but please note that younger people without pre-existing conditions can also fall victim to this cruel disease.”
The daily number of new cases continues to remain above 100, with 141 new infections recorded. Thirty-eight people were infectious in the community out of over 102,000 tests.
Ms Berejiklian urged Sydneysiders to focus on reducing the number of people infectious in the community, as she condemned the anti-lockdown protests attended by thousands on Saturday.
“It just broke my heart that people had such a disregard for their fellow citizens,” she said.
Warning of more charges over anti-lockdown protest
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said more charges are expected to be laid over Saturday’s anti-lockdown protest.
“The investigation into people’s behaviour yesterday will continue for some time, so I expect over the next few days and perhaps weeks that that number of penalty infringement notices will continue to be high.”
At least 57 protesters have been charged and 510 fines have been issued.
He said police officers suffered minor injuries after being assaulted, and two men have been charged over allegedly striking a police horse.
“The behaviour was absolutely disgusting. It will not be tolerated.”
He urged people to submit photos and videos to CrimeStoppers to help police identify protesters.
Fears of virus spread
Ms Berejiklian said there are concerns the anti-lockdown protest in Sydney’s CBD could be a “super-spreader event”.
“I hope that it is not a setback, but it could be.”
“This is a horribly cruel disease, and that is why our response has been so strong against it. But we rely on people not only to do the right thing, but not to openly, openly threaten the health and safety of the broader community.”
Ms Berejiklian urged people to get vaccinated, after ATAGI updated its advice on Saturday urging all adults in Greater Sydney to consider having the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“Firstly, please know that what will get us through this outbreak is a combination of our restrictions, but also of more people being vaccinated.
“Can I urge everybody to come forward and get vaccinated. As you know, the health advice has changed in the last few days, so everybody is welcomed to come forward and get the AstraZeneca vaccine.”
NSW Health’s Jeremy McAnulty said the majority of the new cases were in western and south-western Sydney.
He urged people to come forward for testing in areas where virus fragments were detected in wastewater, including in Byron Bay and Moss Vale in southern NSW. SBS