Tamworth COVID-19: regional NSW's lockdown extended for seven days as NSW hits new record 681 cases

There were zero new COVID cases in Tamworth and Armidale on Thursday, but NSW recorded a record 681 new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said transmission was "bubbling along" in regional NSW, especially around Wilcannia and Dubbo.

"Things are settling down in other parts of regional NSW which is positive but obviously our concerns remain about western NSW in particular," she said.

"We know there are vast areas of regional NSW where there aren't any cases but everybody would appreciate and expect us to take a precautionary response given we have the opportunity to get down to zero cases in the regions."

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The decision was based on the concerning numbers in western NSW, which recorded another 25 cases, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.

"Therefore it's starting to show clearly there are still concerns in regional and rural NSW," he said.

"That is why it's right that we stay in front of the curve and spread and we keep regional and rural NSW in lockdown."

Of the 681 new cases, 291 are from Western Sydney, 172 are from South Western Sydney, 74 are from Nepean Blue Mountains, 63 are from Sydney, 14 are from Northern Sydney and 29 are from South Eastern Sydney.

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