New COVID case numbers reach 18 in latest update as Premier Gladys Berejiklian indicates lockdown update coming on Wednesday

Premier Gladys Berejiklian hopes to provide more information about whether the Greater Sydney lockdown will continue by Wednesday.

They would follow the health advice while looking to reopen the economy.

"The NSW government's priority is about keeping the community safe, first and foremost," she said.

"I hope to be able to provide more information tomorrow.

"NSW wants this to be the last lockdown until we get the majority of our citizens vaccinated.

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"The Delta strain is very different from what we've experienced so far... We have to be mindful that what we're experiencing with this strain is something new, and requires a different response."

Chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said 16 of the new cases were linked to a known cluster, and 11 were isolation for their "entire infectious period".

But two of the new cases had been in the community while infectious.

"We have had 32,136 tests performed and we appreciate that people came out for testing, but I'd like to see over 40,000 test this week to give us the best assessment that we're not missing cases," Dr Chant said.

There are 26 COVID-19 patients currently admitted to hospital, six are in intensive care, and two are being ventilated.

"This is a salient reminder about the impact COVID can have on you and your loved one," Dr Chant said.

"Assume everyone has COVID. Please minimise your exposure to others."

There have been 330 locally acquired cases reported since June 16.

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