The Australian state of New South Wales has reported 65 new local COVID-19 cases on Thursday.
Of the new local cases, 40 are linked to a known case or cluster, while health authorities are still trying to determine the source of infection for the remaining 25.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed during their infectious period, 28 cases had been out in the community.
"Obviously this is a welcome drop on yesterday's numbers but it comes with a warning, 28 were out in about in the community… we need to get that 28 number down to zero," she said.
The 65 new cases are less than those reported past few days - there are 97 new local cases on Wednesday, 89 on Tuesday, and 112 reported on Monday. However, Berejiklian predicted the state will have higher case numbers on Friday.
"I want to send the following strong message to the community. Whilst the case numbers are bouncing around, we are seeing a stabilisation. They are not growing exponentially. That tells us that the settings that we have in place are having an impact.
"My strongest message to everybody is keep doing what you are doing. Keep sticking to the rules because we are seeing the impact of that, but the next challenge for us is to see a drop in the numbers, in the numbers of people infectious in the community. We are seeing a level of stabilisation, but we need to see those numbers drop."
She noted several cases had gone into the community while infectious to seek medical assistance, through pharmacists and GPs.
"Please know that if you have symptoms, the only place that you should go is to get tested and isolate," she said.
This comes as lockdown restrictions in parts of south east Queensland were extended for a further seven days.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed the extension on Thursday afternoon after announcing the state has three new locally acquired cases.
Restrictions will continue for Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswitch, Logan City, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast.
"[Residents] must continue to wear masks whenever they leave home," Palaszczuk said.
"Gatherings in private residences remain limited to 30 people, and businesses and venues are limited to one person per four square metres indoors and one person per two square metres outdoors.
"Visitor restrictions will remain in place for hospitals, aged care and disability centres."
However, restrictions will ease as planned in the local government areas of Townsville and Palm Island at 6am on Friday.
