NSW has recorded the highest daily number of locally acquired COVID-19 infections since the latest outbreak began, as it reaches the halfway point of its two-week lockdown.
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But the state's premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said the "green shoots" are there and the lockdown was beginning to work, as the majority of the cases were in isolation while infectious.
"Whilst as predicted the number of cases are going up, we're seeing a greater proportion of those cases in isolation which is exactly what we want to see," Ms Berejiklian said on Saturday.
The outbreak now includes 261 cases, with NSW Health continuing to identify exposure sites.
The lockdown in Greater Sydney and surrounds is due to end on July 9.
Victoria has recorded its third day in a row without a locally acquired case of the novel coronavirus, but 30 active cases remain in the state.
Victoria's virus testing chief, Jeroen Weimar, said five people have been issued fines for failing to follow quarantine rules after entering the state.
Mr Weimar said his biggest fears stem from returning travellers and hotel quarantine leaks undoing weeks of work to contain recent outbreaks.
"Those are the two things that give me sleepless nights," he said.
Meanwhile, a lockdown for Brisbane and Moreton Bay residents will be lifted at 6pm on Saturday, even after the state recorded five new cases.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stressed "we are not out of the woods yet".
After a week in which confusion over the vaccine rollout reached new heights, the country learned fully vaccinated Australians could be waiting until next year before they are exempt from lockdowns and border restrictions.
This pandemic has a long time left to run yet.
Given all the uncertainty, is it any wonder Australians are apparently keen to save their tax returns?
A survey of 1000 people found 35 per cent of people plan to bank their returns. Just 3 per cent of respondents said they would go on a shopping spree when their return came in.
And finally to the United States, where firefighters are making progress against forest fires in northern California.
The blazes, which come off the back of a deadly northern-hemisphere heatwave, have forced thousands to flee and destroyed homes.
*This edition of The Informer was written by The Canberra Times reporter Jasper Lindell. If you'd like to show your support for the team behind The Informer, why not forward us to a friend?
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