New South Wales has recorded 170 new local cases of COVID-19, with at least 42 infectious while in the community.
That's down on the 239 new infections recorded on Thursday.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Friday that while cases are down, the total is expected to "bounce around" in coming days due to the high number of people infectious in the community. About 95,000 tests were conducted on Thursday.
"Sixty-five cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and ten cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period," NSW Health says. "Forty-two cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 53 cases remains under investigation.
"Of the 170 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 87 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 32 are from Western Sydney LHD, 32 are from Sydney LHD, 13 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, four are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD and two are from Northern Sydney LHD."
Berejiklian has warned people against breaking restrictions over the weekend. Protests against the lockdown are expected in central Sydney, but about 1000 officers are ready to respond.
"Do not give those you love the most a death sentence," she said.
Getting "jabs in arms" is also critical to NSW's response, the Premier said.
There are 187 COVID cases in hospital with 58 in ICU and 24 people requiring ventilation.
"I think this underscores the severity of COVID," NSW Health's Kerry Chant said.
"If you're going to those small grocery stores, butchers, bakers, be very clear, pause before you go in... don't go inside, wait for those people to exit and wait outside. When you are picking up coffee or take away, preferably place your order and wait outside.
"It's important that we minimise groupings of people, even if they are in those stores at this time."
On Thursday, local police were granted new powers in the wake of the state's recent horror figures. From Friday, officers can shut down businesses, construction sites and public premises where there is a risk to public health.
Residents of eight local government areas are also restricted to 5km of their homes, and thousands more police officers are being deployed in Greater Sydney as part of a new operation to increase their visibility. The Australian Defence Force has also been brought in to assist.
More than 300 infringements were issued overnight. It comes after the fine for not wearing a mask increased from AU$200 to AU$500.
"An example this morning, a COVID compliance check, young man who was COVID positive was out of the house and he had gone to work on a building site," NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said on Friday.
"That sort of behaviour is exactly why we need strong health orders, law enforcement and defence, getting the highest level of compliance. This guy knew he was positive. The information is, from his family, that he knew he was positive."
