A New Zealand medical expert doesn't think New South Wales has a chance of eliminating the virus and will have to accommodate it.
Professor Des Gorman. Photo: supplied
Des Gorman, an emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Auckland, said the outlook there is grim.
NSW reported another record day with 466 Covid-19 cases and four deaths today.
It was announced this afternoon that all of regional New South Wales will be locked down from 5pm local time today.
New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the measures were designed to "minimise movement and protect our communities from the evolving Covid situation in Sydney".
The ABC understands the stay-at-home orders will be in place for a week.
"Three-quarters of the new cases today don't have an obvious link," Gorman said.
"Almost 100 people amongst the new cases were wandering around the community when they were infectious, so in fact, the New South Wales outbreak, far from being under control or becoming under control, looks like it's as bad as ever."
Gorman thinks the state will have to switch to "living with the virus," like the United Kingdom.
"I don't think it's possible to come back from where they are to an elimination strategy.
"Clearly that's relevant to our situation in New Zealand. We're only one outbreak away from having to abandon our elimination strategy as well."
Gorman said it's clear people have not been following lockdown rules in Australia.
- with ABC