SYDNEY – Closing in Australia’s largest city was extended until September and tougher measures were imposed on Friday to curb the delta variant of the coronavirus, including a curfew and an outdoor mask warrant.
The state of New South Wales, which includes Sydney, reported 642 locally acquired infections in the last 24-hour period, the fourth consecutive day of more than 600.
Sydney has been closed since late June after the most contagious delta variant was detected in a limousine driver who became infected while transporting a US cargo crew from Sydney airport.
Since then, 65 people have died from COVID-19 in New South Wales, including four overnight.
The closure of Sydney is expected to end on August 28, but the state government has announced it will continue until September 30.
The entire state has been closed since last week because the virus had spread from the city.
A curfew will be applied from Monday at 9pm to 5pm in Sydney’s most affected suburbs. Wearing masks will be mandatory statewide outside of homes. Previously, masks were not mandatory under any outdoor circumstances.