Defence Forces set to arrive Sydney to support lockdown

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed 170 new Covid-19 cases were detected in the past 24 hours as strict new restrictions come into force in Sydney. There were 42 people active in the community while infectious and a further 10 who were active for part of their infectious period.

Ms Berejiklian issued a stern warning to anyone thinking of attending this weekend  anti-lockdown protest.

“Can I please warn against anybody taking up illegal activity and protesting tomorrow,” she said.

“Your actions will hurt, forget about the rest of us, but you could be taking the disease home and passing it on to your parents, your siblings, your brothers and sisters or anybody you might have limited contact with. Do not give those you love the most a death sentence.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said 1000 police officers would be ready and waiting for any protesters who turn up in Sydney tomorrow.

"Ladies and gents, reiterating the concerns, please don't come into Sydney tomorrow to protest," he said.

"If you do, you will be met by up to 1000 police who will be ready to deal with you, whether that be via the health orders or other laws.

"We know that this is such an important time for NSW in terms of winning the battle against the virus and coming into town to protest is not the answer."

Meanwhile, hundreds of soldiers will arrive in Sydney today to help police crack down on residents flouting stay-at-home restrictions amid rising case numbers.

Three hundred military personnel will undergo training over the weekend before hitting the streets with police on Monday to ensure residents are complying with the health orders. 

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said the deployment was necessary because a small minority of people thought "the rules didn't apply to them".

Yesterday, as case numbers rose dramatically, the NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller formally requested help from the ADF in enforcing Sydney's lockdown.

Coronavirus fragments have been found in sewage plants in Sydney’s north, northwest, inner west and on the Central Coast, prompting fears the virus may be spreading undetected in those communities.

More than 115,000 people live in the 38 suburbs that are serviced by the sewage plants where the virus fragments were found.

The sewerage systems are located in Toukley, Lane Cove West, South Windsor, Castle Hill and Rozelle.

People who live in one of the affected communities should be on their watch for any symptoms that could be related to coronavirus, and are urged to get tested immediately if symptoms appeared.