Australia's New South Wales state has reported 1,290 community cases of COVID-19 and another four deaths.
The daily case total again exceeds the previous day's record of 1,218.
Those who died in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday included a man in his 50s, a woman in her 60s and two men in their 70s, NSW Health said.
Currently, there are 840 COVID-19 cases in NSW hospitals. Of those, 137 of people are in intensive care - 48 of whom are on a ventilator.
Despite being in lockdown for nearly two months, NSW - the Australian state home to Sydney - continues to grapple with an outbreak of the Delta variant as many refuse to comply with restrictions. On Sunday, one COVID-positive man was arrested for not self-isolating - the fourth time he had been caught leaving his home while infectious.
Earlier, neighbouring Victoria reported 73 new COVID-19 cases - a day after Premier Dan Andrews said he would extend lockdown measures across the state as daily infections reached the highest level in a year.
Victoria, including state capital Melbourne, was due to end a five-week lockdown on Thursday. Andrews did not provide details when he said on Sunday the shut-in would be extended.
Health officials on Sunday reported 92 new COVID-19 cases, the biggest one-day rise since September 2020.
Reuters / Newshub.
