Covid update: Vaccination pleas as NSW death toll rises to five

NEW South Wales recorded 78 new local Covid-19 cases during the past 24 hours, with 41 of those people infectious while in the community.

Ninety-five Covid-19 cases have been admitted to hospital, 27 are in intensive care and eleven are being ventilated.

Tragically, a woman in her 50s, who tested positive to Covid-19, was found dead in her southwestern Sydney home yesterday morning.

She is the fifth person to have died as a result of the Greater Sydney outbreak.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said at least 27 people in the past 24 hours were infectious in the community for the entire duration of their infectiousness without realising it.

“Whilst the virus is lurking in our community undetected, that is a concern, because when you have 27 people who have been infectious for the whole time, what that means is they could have literally started chains of transmission we still don’t know about,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“The good news is, we’re picking up extra cases, not just with those who have symptoms, but through the testing of people working or going out of the area, has picked up a number of cases of people who aren’t symptomatic,” she said.

“By the end of this week, we will have a much better handle on what July 31 looks like,” she said.

Dr Kerry Chant stressed the seriousness of Covid-19 and again pleaded with the community to get vaccinated.

“Covid-19 is a very serious disease, we are seeing more hospitalisations, more people in ICU and more people on ventilators,” Dr Chant said.

“We need to stop the spread,” she said.

“Obviously there is work, and I shouldn’t use that term essential, I understand that work is essential to everyone and we probably need another new word other than essential . . . but now is the time to really ensure that everyone complies with the spirit and intent of the Public Health Orders, to reduce mobility.

“The vaccines are incredibly efficient at preventing hospitalisations and death. They are the way out and yes we haven’t got enough vaccine at the moment but we have got some vaccines,” she said.

“I would urge anyone to go forward for your second dose of AstraZeneca or your also first dose or if you’re eligible for Pfizer, to take up that opportunity,” said Dr Chant.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard echoed Dr Chant’s vaccination message, saying anti-vaxxers “live in another universe.”

“Can I just stress that anti-vaxxers obviously live in another universe and others who give messages that this virus isn’t dangerous and don’t get vaccinated clearly have no medical or scientific training,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This virus is an extremely transmissible virus. It can kill you and it can kill your family and your friends,” he said.

“The number of people going know our intensive care units are increasing and the number of people being ventilated are increasing and sadly, so are the deaths,” he said.

“My message is strongly to the community more broadly, there is only one solution here and that is to get vaccinated,” said Mr Hazzard.

New South Wales Deputy Commissioner, Gary Worboys announced 160 Covid-19 infringement notices were issued during the past 24 hours.

“Rest assured, these notices are issued to people who have absolutely no regard for the Health Orders or safety in the public space,” he said.