NSW has recorded 145 new cases of COVID-19 overnight, as the Delta variant continues to spread from Sydney's outbreak epicentre.
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Of the new cases, 51 were in the community while infectious.
"Can I stress again that it is really important for people not to leave home unless they have to, and in particular, do not have any contact with people outside your household," NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilian said.
"If you do need to work and you are recognised as an authorised worker you adhere to all of the COVID safety measures.
"Please come forward and get vaccinated.
There were 98,000 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday in NSW.
The lockdown for Greater Sydney and four surrounding regions, now in its fifth week, was due to end on Friday. But with the highly infectious Delta strain spiralling, there's no reprieve in sight.
It comes following a weekend of "freedom rallies" in Sydney and across the country.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said "sadly" we were still seeing cases in the community while infectious.
Of the new cases, 51 were in the community for their infectious period, and 25 were in the community for "part" of their infectious period.
"The future is driven by our vaccination coverage. They have two fold protection. They protect you but they also have an impact on protecting others," Dr Chant said.
"Please come forward and get vaccinated."
Hunter residents have still been having trouble booking at the mass vaccination centre in Belmont, despite more appointments becoming available in October.
One reader said as well as being unable to book a time for her second dose, she had previously had problems entering her Medicare card number.
