NSW government officials are meeting this morning to discuss introducing new restrictions for the state to clamp down on surging coronavirus case numbers.
It’s understood an announcement could be made as early as this afternoon.
NSW reported 38,625 new coronavirus cases on Friday and 11 deaths with 1738 now in hospital and 134 in intensive care.
The state started with 95 people with COVID-19 in intensive care on Monday, with Friday’s figures representing a 41 per cent jump.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has been facing pressure to introduce restrictions as cases rose.
People are struggling to find rapid COVID-19 tests as state and federal governments rely more and more on them for detecting the spread of the virus.
Businesses are also struggling to keep their doors open as staff are forced to isolate either due to infection or being dubbed a close contact.
The impending changes in NSW on Friday follow Victoria reintroducing density limits overnight at hospitality and entertainment venues, with one person allowed per two square metres.