Covid outbreak spreads across New South Wales and forces thousands into isolation as far away as Bourke and Melbourne - as Gladys' deputy hints Sydney may be thrown into lockdown
Thousands more Sydneysiders risk being plunged into isolation after Covid spread its tentacles across dozens of busy venues spanning 17 suburbs, while the deputy premier has hinted at a possible snap lockdown.
John Barilaro said the current health advice didn't suggest going into lockdown, but warned 'that advice could change in the next few hours'.
'We look at the numbers, 11 cases sounds alarming (but only) one is a mystery case,' he told the Today show.
'It is not just the numbers, it is the detail, the information we have behind the scenes that our expert health officials look at that gives us the confidence to make the decision and the advice at this stage is not to lock down. At this stage I don't think we need a lockdown.'
In an unprecedented late night drop of new exposure sites on Thursday, NSW Health put alerts out for a host of new venues including a Kmart, Domino's Pizza and several popular coffee shops.
Another shock development came as coronavirus fragments were found in a Bourke sewage treatment plant, 750km away from Sydney in the far north-west of NSW, where there has never been a single known case.
The wastewater finding indicates the virus may have already escaped the NSW capital and has somehow reached vulnerable outback areas.
Meanwhile, Queensland has recorded two new locally transmitted Covid cases following revelations a flight attendant spread the virus after becoming infected in hotel quarantine.
A total of 181 exposure sites have been announced in Greater Sydney since the latest outbreak began, bringing in a raft of new restrictions (pictured, commuters in masks on Thursday)
This terrifying map shows the 17 suburbs announced as having Covid exposure sites in a worrying late night drop on Thursday
The Covid-positive Queenslanders were both already in isolation while infectious.
Victoria on Friday recorded no new locally acquired coronavirus cases beyond the two infections already announced by authorities.
An Oakleigh man in his 60s tested positive on Thursday after returning from Sydney at the weekend and his co-worker at the Sandringham Dry Cleaners has also tested positive.
In Sydney, Coles and Woolworths' shelves across the city have once again been stripped bare of toilet paper.
Neither of the supermarkets have re-introduced buying limits on toilet paper, but frustrated shoppers have called out others for stockpiling.
Officials announced 11 new cases of the highly-infectious Indian Delta strain on Thursday, bringing the total number of infections linked to the Bondi cluster up to 36 - with several more lingering mystery cases.
Since the outbreak began last week, 181 exposure sites have been added to the burgeoning list - 33 of which were added on Thursday night alone in suburbs sprawling right across Australia's largest city.
Covid-infected residents have been on 23 public transport routes, and anyone who visited one of 53 venues across Sydney over the past few days has been told to get a test and isolate immediately, regardless of the result.
Anyone who visited in Westfield Paramatta on Wednesday has been told to isolate until they test negative after the shop was visited by an infected person
Commuters are seen wearing face masks as they arrive at Circular Quay by ferry on Thursday, as the number of Covid cases grew by 11 in Sydney
In the surprise late night announcement just after 11pm, authorities demanded anyone who has visited a series of cafes, restaurants and gyms across Bondi, Potts Point, Darlinghurst and Alexandria contact NSW Health immediately, get tested and isolate for 14 days even if the test is negative.
Anyone who dined at Coffee, Tea & Me in Potts Point or who visited the pool or the change rooms at the Elixr Health Club in Bondi Junction on Sunday has been told to do the same.
Likewise, diners in the inner west who went to Cantine Verte Café or The Pommery Cafe in Alexandra on Monday has been given the same advice.
In Bondi, people who went to Elixr Health Club but did not go to the change rooms or the pool have been told to isolate until a negative test is returned.
SUBURBS ON ALERT:
Alexandria
Bankstown
Bondi
Bondi Junction
Casula
Darlinghurst
Double Bay
East Sydney
Gregory Hill
Kensington
Merrylands
North Sydney
Parramatta
Potts Point
Randwick
Rouse Hill
Vaucluse
The same advice goes for anyone who went to Harry's Bondi, Bondi Relish, La Piadina, Lyfe Cafe, Royal Hotel, Fitness First Platinum or Fitness First on Spring Street in the beachside suburb on Sunday or Monday.
In the west, anyone who went to Amart Furniture in Bankstown on Sunday, Domino's Pizza or Big Bun in Merrylands on Monday, or Kmart in Westfield Paramatta on Wednesday has been told to isolate until they test negative.
Further south, shoppers who went to Crossroads Homemaker Centre in Casula on Sunday has been told to stay at home for 14 days until they get a negative test, or if they went to Gregory Hills Town Centre, in the city's south-west.
An exposure site was also added in North Sydney, with anyone who visited Priceline Pharmacy on Walker Street on Monday told to isolate until testing negative.
Famed Sydney salon boss Joh Bailey warned more than 1,000 customers and staff at his flagship outlet in Double Bay have been exposed to coronavirus by an infected hairdresser.
It was initially revealed that the hairdresser, who lives in western Sydney, worked three consecutive nine-hour shifts at the salon from Thursday June 17 to Saturday June 19.
But in a another worrying development on Thursday night, NSW Health announced that the salon had been exposed to coronavirus for nine full days - from the moment it opened to the second it closed - between June 15 and June 23.
Skin Medi Spa and Wellness, in the same complex is under a similar order with anyone who visited from Wednesday June 16 to 23 Wednesday - at all times - urged to isolate and get tested immediately.
Famed Sydney salon boss Joh Bailey warned more than 1,000 customers and staff at his flagship outlet in Double Bay have been exposed to coronavirus by an infected hairdresser (pictured, former WAG Phoebe Burgess at the salon earlier this week)
In the west, anyone who went to Amart Furniture in Bankstown on Sunday, Domino's Pizza or Big Bun in Merrylands on Monday has also been told to get tested
HUGE COVID EXPOSURE LIST REVEALED THURSDAY NIGHT
NSW Health says anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553
Potts Point: Coffee, Tea & Me (dine in customers ) - Sunday June 20, 9.50am – 10.10am
Bondi Junction: Elixr Health Club (patrons in the swimming area, poolside showers and poolside change rooms) - Sunday June 20, 2.45pm – 3.45pm
Alexandria: Cantine Verte Caf̩ - Monday June 21, 9.20am Р9.35am and Tuesday June 22, 8am Р8.15am
Alexandria: The Pommery Caf̩ - Monday June 21, 2.30pm Р3pm
Double Bay: Joh Bailey hairdresser - Tuesday June 15 to June 16, any time
Double Bay: SKIIN Medi Spa & Wellness - Wednesday June 16 to 23, any time
Bondi: Lyfe Cafe - Wednesday June 16, 12.30pm - 2.25pm
Bondi: Royal Hotel - Monday June 21, 9.45am - 11.45am
Double Bay: Michel's Charcuterie - Tuesday June 22, 1.30pm - 2pm
Bondi Junction: Fitness First on Spring Street - Tuesday June 22, 5.45pm - 6.45pm
Darlinghurst: Frankie's Beans shop - Monday June 21, 10am - 11am and 1pm - 2pm
Darlinghurst: Vinfafe Cafe - Tuesday June 22, 3.05pm - 3.45pm
Anyone who attended any of the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received
Potts Point: Coffee, Tea & Me (takeaway customers ) - Sunday June 20, 9.50am – 10.10am
Casula: Crossroads Homemaker Centre - Sunday June 20, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Bankstown: Amart Furniture - Sunday June 20, 2.30pm – 3.05pm
Gregory Hills: Gregory Hills town centre - Sunday June 20, 3.30pm – 4.35pm
Bondi Junction: Elixr Health Club - Sunday 20 June 20, 2.45pm – 3.45pm
Double Bay: Michael's Charcuterie - Monday June 21, 11am – 1pm
Randwick: Mr Vitamins - Monday June 21, 2.20pm – 2.50pm
Bondi: Totti's Restaurant - Sunday June 20, 7.50pm - 9.30pm
Bondi Beach: Harry's Bondi - Monday June 21, 1.50pm – 2.20pm
Bondi Beach: Bondi Relish - Monday June 21, 2.35pm – 3.05pm
Bondi Beach: La Piadina - Monday June 21, 2.40pm – 3.10pm
Vaucluse: Wings Dragon - Monday June 21, 3.10pm – 3.40pm
Alexandria: Industrial complex at 32 Ralph Street - Monday 21 June, 8.30am – 5.30pm and Tuesday June 22, 8am – 12.45pm
North Sydney: Priceline Pharmacy, Monday June 21, 4.50pm – 5.15pm
Merrylands: Domino's Pizza - Monday June 21, 6.20pm – 6.50pm
Merrylands: Big Bun - Monday June 21, 6.50pm – 7.10pm
East Sydney: Woolworths - Tuesday June 22, 8am – 12.45pm
Kensington: 7-Eleven - Tuesday June 22, 12.40pm – 1.20pm
Parramatta: Kmart Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre - Wednesday June 23, 11.50am – 12.10pm
Rouse Hill: TerryWhite Chemmart - Monday June 21, 11.05am - 11.15am
Michael's Charcuterie, also in Double Bay was also added on Thursday, with anyone who went to the meat shop on Tuesday June 22 between 1:30pm to 2pm, considered a close contact.
Mr Bailey told Daily Mail Australia that the ramifications of one staff member testing positive to Covid-19 were 'unbelievable'.
'We have over 1,000 customers and staff this has affected… who have to isolate,' he said.
The infected hairdresser is one of two potential super-spreader events in Sydney sending thousands of residents into isolation after being exposed to the highly-infectious Indian Delta variant.
As Joh Bailey's salon underwent a deep clean on Thursday, he said the focus was on staff and customer health.
Famed Sydney salon boss Joh Bailey warned more than 1,000 customers and staff at his flagship outlet in Double Bay have been exposed to coronavirus by an infected hairdresser (pictured, the salon being deep cleaned on Thursday)
Woolworths on Crown Street in Surry Hills was also added to the list of exposure sites
'We are allowed to re-open, of course, but because all or most of our staff have to isolate - that's the problem we have right now.'
Mr Bailey is one of Australia's most sought-after hairdressers who has been at the top of his game for three decades.
His client list that reads like a who's-who of TV stars, socialites, politicians, business elite - and once even gave Princess Diana a makeover on her seminal 1983 Australian tour.
Clients include former WAG Phoebe Burgess and former Studio 10 host Kerri-Anne Kennerley, and stars Elle Macpherson, Linda Evangelista, Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue, and Judy Davis.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured on Thursday) has so far managed to fend off a lockdown - but has brought in a number of new restrictions
Ms Burgess even visited the salon for a blow dry earlier this week, but not during the times initially announced by NSW Health.
The star went to get a Covid test regardless back near her Southern Highlands home.
But under the revised rules, she and the other 1,000 customers who enjoyed a treatment over an eight day period will need to go back into isolation.
NSW Health officials contacted the salon on Wednesday morning to alert it to the positive case, and management closed the doors immediately.
The hairdresser, who commuted from the city's west for work each morning, has since infected three close contacts - with hundreds of others in isolation with fears it could lead to a massive outbreak.
A range of gyms in the eastern suburbs (pictured, Bondi's Elixir Health) have also been added to the list of new exposure sites
A 7-Eleven in Kensington, in the eastern suburbs, was also been added to the list of exposure sites late on Thursday night
'We wish to express our deepest gratitude to NSW Health for their incredible efficiency and support during the ongoing Covid-19 NSW outbreak,' Mr Bailey wrote on Instagram.
'In light of this, our Double Bay salon will be temporarily closed for deep cleaning and we will advise our re-opening date in due course.
'An enormous thank you to our valued clients and community who have reached out with messages and support of kindness.
'It is appreciated so much and we in turn wish everyone to remain safe, healthy and supported during this challenging global pandemic.'
The Double Bay salon has about 10 hairdressers working at any given time, plus beauticians and support staff.
On Wednesday, it was announced the famed Joh Bailey salon in Double Bay was exposed from June 17 to June 19. That has been revised to include all times over nine days from June 15 - 23
The hairdresser, who lives in western Sydney, worked three consecutive nine-hour shifts at the salon from Thursday June 17 to Saturday June 19
Cleaners prepare their equipment before entering the Double Bay salon, which will be closed until further notice (pictured on Thursday)
In nearby Paddington, Mr Marshall and three fellow Nationals dined at Christo's Pizzaria from 5.55pm to 8.30pm on Monday, the evening before the state's budget announcement.
Mr Marshall is believed to have contracted the virus from a diner, before he was in attendance at the state parliament building on Macquarie Street the next day.
His fellow Nationals MPs Trevor Khan, Steph Cooke and Ben Franklin are also in isolation.
Mr Marshall then attended the post-budget Nationals party dinner, which was attended by a variety of senior officials including the NSW Premier, who confirmed she tested negative on Thursday.
'This morning just after 8am I was formally advised by NSW Health that I had returned a positive test for Covid-19,' Mr Marshall told reporters.
'I'm doing fine and will continue to strictly follow the advice of health authorities.'
Health Minister Brad Hazzard also tested negative to the virus and as a casual contact was allowed to leave isolation.
COVID-19 RULES FOR GREATER SYDNEY
From 4pm Wednesday for one week:
Visitors to households will be limited to five guests – including children;
Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;
Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the bridal party only (no more than 20 people);
Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);
The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50 per cent seated capacity;
Previous public transport capacity limits, represented by green dots, will be reintroduced
A father, who works as a dry cleaner in Sandringham, travelled back to Melbourne on Jetstar flight JQ523 between 5.30pm and 7.40pm on Sunday. Pictured: A man being tested for Covid
Victorian contact tracers are also scrambling to stop the spread after a man in his 60s tested positive to Covid-19 in Melbourne after visiting his daughter in Sydney over the weekend.
Officials believe he contracted the virus after he attended a 'super spreader' birthday party at his daughter's with 30 others in Sydney's West Hoxton on Saturday - which is now linked to 11 cases.
The father, who works as a dry cleaner in Sandringham, travelled back to Melbourne on Jetstar flight JQ523 between 5.30pm and 7.40pm on Sunday.
Anyone who was in Terminal 4 between 6.55pm and 7.40pm on June 20 has been told to get tested and isolate for 14 days, from the time of exposure.
The man developed symptoms on Tuesday evening and returned a positive test result on Wednesday.
His boss at Sandringham Dry Cleaner, in Melbourne's south, also tested positive on Thursday.
Residents who visited the store throughout the day between June 21 and 23 should also take a Covid test and isolate for two weeks.
The business has since closed for deep cleaning and genomic sequencing is underway to determine the variant, but health officials believe it is the highly infectious Indian Delta strain.
A public health warning has also been issued Christo's Pizzeria in Paddington after an infected man dined then and infected a Nationals MP
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard (pictured, left) and four other MPs are in isolation after being close contacts of Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall , who has tested positive to the Indian Delta variant
The city recorded another local case linked to the Kings Park complex - the site of Melbourne's outbreak in early June - but the person has been in isolation throughout their infectious period.
Health Minister Martin Foley said the new infections are 'concerning' due to the way the Delta variant is spreading around Sydney.
'The advice I have, hot off the press as it were, is that he displayed symptoms late on Tuesday night,' Testing Commander Jeroen Weimar said.
'What that end means for his infectivity, we are working through that as we speak.'
Lockdown-happy premiers in other states including Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland have already slammed their borders shut, disrupting school holiday plans for thousands.
Mr Marshall is believed to have contracted the virus from a diner, before he was in attendance at the state parliament building on Macquarie Street the next day (pictured, NSW State Parliament on Thursday)
On Thursday, Queensland recorded three new local cases after an infected woman in her 30s visited the Portuguese Family Centre restaurant in Ellen Grove in Brisbane's south-west.
For the next week from 4pm on Wednesday, household gatherings are limited to five visitors and masks are compulsory in all indoor venues, including workplaces and gym classes.
Drinking while standing in pubs and bars is also banned and those who live and work in seven hotspot council areas are not allowed to leave metropolitan Sydney unless they have an essential reason.
Those council areas are the City of Sydney, Waverley, Woollahra, Bayside, Canada Bay, Inner West and Randwick - home to around 782,000 residents.
The tightened rules - which also include a 50 per cent capacity restriction for outdoor seated events - applies to Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Central Coast and Shellharbour regions.