New South Wales has recorded 345 new cases of COVID-19, with at least 60 infectious while in the community, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will enter a lockdown after recording its first community case in a year.
ACT will enter a seven-day snap lockdown at 5pm on Thursday after it recorded a community case of COVID-19.
A statement from its chief minister's office revealed the source of infection is unknown, and they were infectious in the community. It represents the "most serious public health risk" the territory has seen in a year.
It's the first time the territory has been locked down since the pandemic began in 2020.
People in Canberra will not be allowed to leave home except to attend essential employment, shop for supplies, or exercise for one hour outside.
They can also leave for healthcare reasons.
Of NSW's new cases, 128 are linked to a known case or cluster - 101 are household contacts and 27 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 217 cases is under investigation.
"One hundred and sixteen cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 34 were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Fifty-seven cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 138 remains under investigation."
The Sydney local government areas of Bayside, Burwood and Strathfield will see additional restrictions from 5pm on Thursday after being deemed "areas of concern". Residents can only move around for essential reasons within 5km of their home unless they are authorised workers.
"There are currently 374 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 62 people in intensive care, 29 of whom require ventilation."
There have been 36 COVID-related deaths in the state during this outbreak and 93 since the start of the pandemic. Since the outbreak began in June, 6491 cases have been reported.
Meanwhile, Queensland recorded 10 new cases on Thursday, all linked to the Indooroopilly cluster, while Victoria reported 21 local cases. Seventeen of those are linked and 15 have been in quarantine throughout their infectious period.
