Sydneysiders have been warned the worst of the current coronavirus outbreak is yet to hit with today's local infections expected to be greater than 100.
NSW recorded 77 new local cases yesterday with 33 of those out in the community while infectious.
But health authorities are anticipating higher figures when today's case numbers are announced.
READ MORE: All the new restrictions for Greater Sydney
There are 52 people in hospital battling the virus and 15 of those individuals are in intensive care.
Sadly, a 90-year-old woman became Australia's first coronavirus death of 2021 after catching the virus at a family gathering and passing away over the weekend.
Police and health authorities are continuing to plead with people to adhere to stronger restrictions which came into effect on Friday, with two thirds of yesterday's new infections being detected in south-west Sydney.
Fifty-two of yesterday's cases were reported around the south-west with several exposure sites being detected across just the Fairfield area alone.
READ MORE: COVID-19 exposure alerts at string of Sydney medical centres
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant warned people in the south-west were still venturing from household to household, continuing to visit family and friends in the hot zone.
"We need to get ahead of the spread," she said.
"We know transmission is going through households, from household to household. And it's impacting on other close friends and work colleagues."
Police say they have issued over 100 fines on Saturday to people for failing to adhere to the tough restrictions, including 30 connected to three separate gatherings.
READ MORE: Data reveals how the Delta variant has evaded the Sydney lockdown
On Saturday, 15 men aged between 50 and 90 were fined after they were caught playing cards and smoking together at a Marrickville location, while a group of five were also fined when they were caught playing video games in a Merrylands West garage.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said people are still making a conscious decision to not stay at home and not comply with the Public Health Orders.
"These examples highlight incredibly selfish and irresponsible behaviour, which we cannot and will not tolerate," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
"We have said all along police will be firm but fair, but we are now in the position where we need to be more firm than fair."
With news the current lockdown in NSW will likely continue past the predicted July 16 end date, Ms Berejiklian has held emergency talks with the treasurer and prime minister about extending financial support to struggling families and businesses.
READ MORE: Prime Minister announces support for NSW amid latest outbreak
Across Sydney, thousands of businesses have been brought to their knees, unable to open week after week now bills unable to be paid.
It is likely a formal announcement on a rescue package will be made today, with experts predicting more will need to be done with the lockdown likely to last for weeks more.
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