Students will transition to online learning from Tuesday
Sydney’s lockdown is due to be extended by another week in a bid to stop the ultra-infectious Delta variant from further spread in the community.
The news is expected to be announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian at this morning’s press conference. Students in greater Sydney will transition to online learning as they return from the school holidays on Tuesday, according to the ABC. Only pupils in regional NSW will be allowed back in for face-to-face learning.
The Sydney cluster, which began in the city’s eastern suburbs, has now topped 330 cases. Most areas of concern have now spread west of the city, with residents urged to be on high alert and come forward for testing.
Lockdown measures are likely to continue until the number of people infectious in the community remains minimal. Yesterday, the state recorded 18 new cases, 11 of which were in isolation for their entire infectious period. Restrictions were due to be eased at 11.59 on Friday 9 July, but the stay-at-home orders are expected to remain until the following Friday.
Earlier this week, Berejiklian and chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant were reluctant to give any indication as to whether the restrictions would be extended. The decision was reportedly made yesterday after several NSW Cabinet meetings.
The news will come as a huge blow to business owners in the hospitality, retail and leisure industries who have had to close their doors. The state is expected to announce a financial support package to ease the strain on those business owners and their employees.
