NSW has reached a "disturbingly high" record of new local COVID-19 cases as the government extends support for tenants and landlords affected by lockdowns stretching past seven weeks.
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The state recorded 478 new local cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday, at least 91 of which were out while infectious.
Eight deaths were also recorded, including 15-year-old Osama Suduh - the youngest person in Australia to die with the virus.
The teenager from southwest Sydney died after contracting pneumococcal meningitis and while he was also COVID-positive, it was not the reason for his hospitalisation or death.
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the teen had been jabbed for pneumococcal meningitis but perhaps not for his particular strain.
Three men and a woman in their 80s, a man in his 40s, and a man and woman in their 70s make up the other deaths.
The death toll for the current NSW outbreak is 56.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian described daily infection numbers as "disturbingly high" and warned case numbers in the thousands could result if NSW's statewide lockdown fails to work.
At least 91 of the 478 new cases were circulating in the community for all or part of their infectious period, with 290 unknown.
"It is important for us all to protect our loved ones and ourselves by getting vaccinated," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.
Rising cases were recorded in Greenacre, Bankstown, Merrylands, Guildford, Granville, Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Yagoona.
Dr Chant also confirmed an outbreak in two wards - including a mental health facility - at Nepean Hospital had reached 30 cases.
Four COVID-positive inmates are also being housed at the remand centre of Silverwater Jail, including two cases uncovered over the weekend. Their source of infection is being investigated.
Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson said in a statement on Monday that the NSW government's residential tenancy support package would be paid for a second month.
Landlords who have reduced rent for their tenant can apply for up to $3000 to cover the two months from July 14.
There is a moratorium on evictions until at least September 11.
"We have always encouraged landlords and tenants to work together to negotiate on rental agreements," Mr Anderson said.
"It's hard enough having to lockdown in your home while we stop the spread of the virus, but this NSW government support means you can do that without fear of being evicted."
All of NSW was placed under a one-week lockdown on Saturday while Sydney and surrounds are locked down until August 28.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said almost 18,000 police officers were being supported by 800 members of the Australian Defence Force to enforce public health orders.
Police had until now been issuing four cautions for every ticket, but Mr Fuller flagged a tougher approach, saying it reaches a point "where you say people aren't getting this".
Tougher non-compliance fines of up to $5000 are now in place as Greater Sydney begins its eighth week of lockdown.
A "test and isolate" payment of $320 will also start this week for workers aged 17 and over who have symptoms and live in the NSW government's areas of concern.
But the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union NSW said the payment should be extended to all workers statewide.
NSW Labor also called for a statewide test and isolate payment, with Chris Minns demanding Ms Berejiklian ask Prime Minister Scott Morrison and other premiers for more help.
"The phone needs to be picked up," the opposition leader said.
There are also increasing concerns for Dubbo and Walgett, with high unvaccinated Indigenous populations, and a case in Bourke.
There are 99 active COVID-19 cases in the Western NSW health district.
Australian Associated Press
