New South Wales has recorded 262 new cases of COVID-19 - of which 45 were infectious while in the community - and five deaths.
That is the highest number of new cases in a single day since this outbreak began in June and takes the total to 4319.
"Of the locally acquired cases, 129 are linked to a known case or cluster – 96 are household contacts and 33 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 133 cases is under investigation," NSW Health says.
Of the five deaths, three were in their 60s, one in their 70s and one in their 80s. Four of those five were not vaccinated and one had a single dose. All were residing in Sydney hospitals.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all of their loved ones at the tragic loss. It's horrible that, during this time, families are losing their loved ones," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says.
There are currently 290 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 51 people in intensive care, 24 of whom require ventilation.
Due to a high level of the virus being detected in the Hunter and Upper Hunter region, there will be a one week lockdown in those areas. That will begin at 5pm on Thursday (local time). It means children should not go to school and people should stay at home.
"The local government areas impacted are Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook," Berejiklian says.
The Hunter region infections may be linked to a beach gathering.
"While the source of infection continues to be investigated, we think the source originated from a gathering on Blacksmith Beach on Friday night, believed to be the source of the initial cases," Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says.
"Can I just thank the people involved. Not that I want to see gatherings, but I also want people to tell us the truth. If they've made a wrong judgement, if they've taken course of action that they regret, please tell us the truth because that will allow us to find out who was there and stop any chains of transmission."
She says authorities are "very concerned" about spread into regional NSW from Greater Sydney and people in rural areas need to be vigilant. There's also the risk of potential spread from Queensland into north NSW.
NSW will receive an additional 180,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Authorities are stressing that people do get their second dose. The person who died overnight with a single dose of the vaccine received that in May.
Queensland on Thursday reported 16 new local cases linked to the Indooroopilly cluster. Four were infectious while in the community.
Victoria recorded six community cases on Wednesday. Three of the cases are linked to known outbreaks, while the others are under investigation. There are now 80 active cases in the state.
