Greater Sydney will enter a two week lockdown from 6pm today, effectively shutting down Australia’s biggest city.
Penrith is included in the lockdown, which also includes the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong.
People will be able to leave their homes for essential shopping, essential work or education, medical tests and care as well as care and compassionate grounds.
“Even though we don’t want to impose burdens unless we absolutely have to, unfortunately this is a situation where we absolutely have to,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
Ms Berejiklian said in the coming days support would be announced for businesses, while Federal support or individuals would be forthcoming.
The lockdown will be in place until midnight on July 9.
Community sport will not be permitted during this period.
Weddings will not be permitted from 11.59pm Sunday, June 27. Funerals will be limited to one person per four square metres with a cap of 100 people, and masks must be worn indoors.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.