A significant lockdown extension is expected for Greater Sydney as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow.
According to 7News, an announcement is expected on Wednesday morning. One of the options being considered is a four-week extension from Friday, according to the outlet.
The announcement is expected to be centred on giving businesses certainty and will also include some changes to the lockdown rules.
The outlet says construction work is likely to resume with safeguards in place. More financial support is reportedly also being discussed.
The current lockdown has been in place for more than a month but has failed to curb the outbreak.
Tuesday marked the highest daily increase in new cases for the outbreak with a whopping 172 new infections. Of those 60 were infectious in the community before they tested positive.
Of the local cases, 85 are linked to a known case or cluster - 66 are household contacts and 19 are close contacts. The source of infection for 87 cases is under investigation.
On Tuesday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there had been two more deaths - both unvaccinated women in their 80s.
"Tragically I want to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the two older women who succumbed to the disease."
Berejiklian urged people to come forward and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their close contacts.
"I'm asking everyone to come forward and get the vaccine. We know the vaccine reduces how contagious you are and that is really critical moving forward."
There have been 2397 locally acquired cases reported since June 16 when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported. One previously reported case has been excluded following further investigation.
There have now been 10 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW in the current outbreak.
A case update is expected at 1pm New Zealand time.
