COVID-19 update: Another large increase in case numbers as NSW Premier pleads to get vaccinated

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian wears a face mask during a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update, in Sydney, Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

NSW PremierBerejiklian during a press conference August 18. NSW recorded 633 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) Source: AAP Image/Bianca De March

This is your update on the Coronavirus in Australia for 18 August 2021.


  • West and south western Sydney are the suburbs of highest concern
  • Victoria has more than 500 venues on the list of exposure sites.
  • Over 20 new locally acquired cases in the ACT
  • Queensland and NT record zero new locally acquired cases

New South Wales
NSW has recorded 633 new locally acquired cases and three deaths.  At least 62 cases were in the community while infectious.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the following suburbs of concern have seen "an escalation of cases": Merrylands, Guilford, Auburn, Greenacre and St Marys.

Those aged 16 to 39 living in the 12 local government areas of concern will be given priority access to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from tomorrow, Thursday 19 August.




Book today your vaccination appointment.

Victoria
Victoria has recorded 24 new locally acquired cases, out of which four are not linked to known outbreaks. Six cases were in the community while infectious.  

COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar says there are currently around 15,000 primary close contacts in the state and more than 520 exposure sites.

Find here the list of vaccination centres

Last 24 hours around Australia
  • The ACT records 22 new locally acquired cases bringing the total number of active cases in Canberra to 67.
  • Restrictions will be lifted in south east Queensland, Cairns and Yarrabah local government areas from 4 pm on Friday 20 August.
  • Lockdown in Greater Darwin and Katherine is scheduled to end at midday tomorrow.
alc covid mental health
Source: ALC

ALC

 

Quarantine, travel, testing clinics and pandemic disaster payment
Quarantine and testing requirements are managed and enforced by state and territory governments:

If you want to travel overseas, you may be able to apply online for an exemption. Click here for more information about the conditions to leave Australia. There are temporary measures for international flights that are regularly reviewed by the government and updated on the Smart Traveller website.



Visit the translated resources published by NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service:


Testing clinics in each state and territory:

NSW 
ACT 

Pandemic disaster payment information in each state and territory:

NSW 
ACT 

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