As it happened: NSW records 478 new local COVID-19 cases, seven deaths; Victoria, ACT lockdowns extended; NT lockdown to begin

That’s stumps for tonight, thanks for reading. Here’s a recap of the day:

• NSW recorded another 478 local COVID cases as new rules kicked in restricting Sydneysiders’ access to exercise and shopping. Concerns are growing for Dubbo as western NSW recorded dozens of new cases.
• Victoria’s lockdown has been extended by a further two weeks until September 2, and a 9pm curfew has been added. Outdoor playgrounds and skate parks will also be closed (despite no evidence of transmission in these places) and construction will be reduced among tightened restrictions for Melbourne.
• The Northern Territory is in lockdown for three days after recording three local cases as authorities worry about the territory’s vulnerable Indigenous population.
• The ACT’s lockdown has been extended by two weeks after the territory recorded 19 new local cases.
• Queensland recorded zero cases and tightened border restrictions with NSW. New rules mean essential workers must have been vaccinated to enter, but many workers including teachers who live on the NSW side are unable to enter the state.
• Crown has launched an urgent investigation after an employee was named in a neo-Nazi group.

Tune in again bright and early tomorrow. Have a good evening and take care.

Two schools in Sydney’s west and south-west will shut their doors due to possible COVID-19 cases in the school communities.

The education department said Bankstown Public School and The Meadows Public School would be closed on Tuesday to all staff and students as a precaution.

Staff and students at both schools have been asked to self-isolate until they receive further advice.

“The NSW Department of Education will continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff is maintained,” a spokesperson said.

That’s stumps for tonight, thanks for reading. Here’s a recap of the day:

• NSW recorded another 478 local COVID cases as new rules kicked in restricting Sydneysiders’ access to exercise and shopping. Concerns are growing for Dubbo as western NSW recorded dozens of new cases.
• Victoria’s lockdown has been extended by a further two weeks until September 2, and a 9pm curfew has been added. Outdoor playgrounds and skate parks will also be closed (despite no evidence of transmission in these places) and construction will be reduced among tightened restrictions for Melbourne.
• The Northern Territory is in lockdown for three days after recording three local cases as authorities worry about the territory’s vulnerable Indigenous population.
• The ACT’s lockdown has been extended by two weeks after the territory recorded 19 new local cases.
• Queensland recorded zero cases and tightened border restrictions with NSW. New rules mean essential workers must have been vaccinated to enter, but many workers including teachers who live on the NSW side are unable to enter the state.
• Crown has launched an urgent investigation after an employee was named in a neo-Nazi group.

Tune in again bright and early tomorrow. Have a good evening and take care.

The state and federal MPs whose electorates include the location of the illegal engagement party that had a positive COVID-19 case in attendance have issued a statement condemning both the actions of the people who held the event and the community backlash that followed.

Federal Labor MP Josh Burns and state Liberal MP David Southwick issued a joint statement that said the behaviour of the attendees was “deeply disappointing” but that the online hate that came in the wake of the story was just as inappropriate.

“The reports and footage from local gatherings are obviously deeply disappointing and are being dealt with by the relevant health authorities. While we condemn such actions, online hate and social media bullying is also not appropriate,” they said.

It is rare for a joint statement to be issued by members of opposing political parties.

“Every Melburnian is exhausted and desperate for this lockdown to end. But the quickest way to end this lockdown is for people to do the right thing,” the statement says.

“Follow the rules; get tested and isolated if they’re symptomatic or have been at an exposure site; and get vaccinated if they’re eligible.”

NSW Health added new exposure sites where confirmed cases of COVID‐19 visited.

Anyone who visited the following venues at the times listed is a close contact (tier 1) and must get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were last there.

• Dubbo - Sushi Zen - Sunday, August 8, from 12.45pm to 12.55pm
• Waratah - The Redeemed Christian Church of God - all day from Saturday, July 31 to Sunday, August 15

There are also new casual contact (tier 2) exposure sites listed here.

Another regional NSW school has been forced to shut after new COVID-19 cases were reported.

The NSW Department of Education said Mian School, in Dubbo, will be closed on Tuesday after a member of the school community tested positive for the virus.

According to the department, 93 per cent of students at the alternative education school are Aboriginal.

Meanwhile, Dubbo West Public School will remain closed on Tuesday after a second student tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Members of the school community have also tested positive since the school first closed on Friday.

All staff and students at the school have been told to get tested and isolate for 14 days.