The authorities of the Australian state of New South Wales are imposing severe restrictive measures in four central areas of Sydney due to the worsening epidemic situation, said Prime Minister of the region Gladys Berejiklian during an online briefing for journalists.

According to the head of the regional government, four areas of Sydney will be quarantined after the number of people infected in the metropolis increased by 22 per day, reaching 65.

The prime minister also noted that those who have been to these areas in the past two weeks must be tested for COVID-19 and remain isolated for at least 14 days.

From June 26, residents of these areas will be able to leave their homes only to buy food and essential goods, to visit a doctor and exercise, as well as to work or study, if it is impossible to do this from home.

The lockdown in central Sydney is expected to continue until Friday, July 2, provided that the authorities manage to contain the outbreak and stop or significantly slow the spread of the infection over the coming week.