NSW recorded 239 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 110,962 tests. 66 cases were infectious in the community and the isolation status of 70 cases remains under investigation. Check the latest confirmed exposure venues here. This information is being updated as cases are confirmed and locations are verified. More information on today’s statistics here.

From 12.01am on Friday 30 July 2021, residents of the eight Local Government Areas of concern (Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta) will be subject to new exercise, mask and shopping rules. Exercise, outdoor recreation and singles bubble visits must be done within 5kms of the person’s home, individuals cannot travel more than 5kms from home for shopping, unless the goods or services are not readily available in that area; and masks must be worn at all times outside the home regardless of proximity to others. More here.

The attached memo has been extended until 27 August 2021 and amended to delete Orange and Blayney Courts from the arrangements. It has also been amended to allow for the following:
"Upon application to the Court of listing and with the consent of all parties and where administrative arrangements allow, hearings that do not require the attendance of any witness may proceed."
In addition the Court Security Act Order has been extended until 28 August 2021 and now includes a provision for wearing a mask unless evidence is produced of a medical exemption.

The temporary suspension of new jury trials in the following Courts will continue until 28 August 2021: The Downing Centre; John Maddison Tower; Campbelltown; Gosford; Katoomba; Parramatta; Penrith; and Wollongong. The Court has also provided new information about prioritising hearings – bringing criminal matters forward where the defendant is in custody.

Practitioners are encouraged to notify the Court of:

1. Sentence hearings requiring priority, particularly those defendants whose time on remand is approaching the period likely to be served on sentence; and
2. Local Court appeals where the appellant has been sentenced to a custodial sentence. 

Where both the prosecution and defendant are ready to take an earlier hearing date and the hearing may proceed by use of a Virtual Court room, the Court may prioritise the hearing. Follow the Court’s updates here.