Tighter restrictions and masks more likely than full lockdown
Targeted shutdowns such as the closure of pubs and restaurants are likely before any total lockdown, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state is on "extremely high alert" for further coronavirus outbreaks.
Ms Berejiklian said NSW was at a critical point of the pandemic with a nervous few weeks ahead. The state recorded 20 new COVID-19 cases as of 4pm on Monday, all from a known source. However new hotspots could emerge with cases surfacing in Batemans Bay on the South Coast, and inner Sydney.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the next few weeks will be critical in the state's fight against the virus.Credit:Kate Geraghty
"If we get through the next few weeks and the next month we will have confidence that we can keep moving forward in NSW," Ms Berejiklian said.
The government has already moved to tighten some restrictions, including reducing group bookings at pubs from 20 to 10 people and enforcing a cap of no more than 300 in a venue.
But several ministers, who described the mood in cabinet as "extremely anxious", said there would need to be a return of more restrictions to ensure NSW residents were kept safe.
One senior minister said "lockdowns of sectors could happen, predominantly pubs and restaurants".
While Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier John Barilaro have been the most vocal about insisting the economy completely reopen, there is a reluctance from several in cabinet.
Another senior minister said while there was "no appetite for a full lockdown", some in cabinet felt that some "high-risk" businesses such as gyms posed a significant threat.
"I think there is a feeling that some things may have gone too far, too quickly and we will need to tighten some areas again," the minister said.
"I think given the cautious nature of Gladys, she was probably pushed further into opening things up by Barilaro and Perrottet than she felt comfortable with."
The minister said that NSW's economy was critical to the country and given Victoria's looming economic collapse, there was no way NSW could allow a full-scale shutdown.
"We would cripple the country. We aren't Tasmania or South Australia," the minister said.
Another senior minister said: "I think we will see masks before a shutdown.
"There is quite a bit of concern around shopping centres and I think we will probably see some restrictions come back, but at this stage a lockdown doesn't seem likely."
People with face masks walking along the street in Chatswood.Credit:Kate Geraghty
Several ministers said Environment Minister Matt Kean was the most staunch advocate for a full shutdown.
"Matt is really the only pushing a full-scale shutdown and he has been pretty open about that," a minister said.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said NSW had to "stick to the health advice".
"I think the government has taken a middle-of-the-road approach in terms of a balance between the two ... I think everyone needs to be on high alert right now," Mr Constance said.
"We’ve got the best advisers in terms of [Chief Health Officer] Kerry Chant and her team, and feeding into the national cabinet process, and I think the government has got its direction right."
Ms Berejiklian said on Monday it was a promising sign that all new cases could be linked to clusters.
"Every single one of those is from a known source. Whilst I remain concerned, that is one positive take out," she said.
Ms Berejiklian urged residents to continue to social distance and avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings.
with Tom Rabe