NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is calling on businesses to help plug crucial health equipment shortages as the state's coronavirus death toll rises to nine.
The number of confirmed infections in NSW has grown to 2182, while a 95-year-old woman has become the ninth COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the national death toll to 20.
Ms Berejiklian on Wednesday morning urged businesses to re-direct their efforts towards the battle against coronavirus.
"I'm calling on the great people of our state, those great business people, those manufacturers who are able to re-tool, to help supply the additional things we need in coming months," she told reporters.
NSW Health confirmed a 95-year-old woman from the Dorothy Henderson Lodge in Macquarie Park had died, the fifth person from that nursing home to die after contracting COVID-19.
A sign for a COVID-19 clinic is seen at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Monday, 16 March, 2020. Source: AAP
There have been 150 new coronavirus cases recorded in NSW overnight.
A pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic will be established in Bondi to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus after clusters developed within Sydney's backpacker community.
NSW Health is directing doctors in Sydney's Waverley Council area, which includes suburbs such as Bondi, to send more patients for COVID-19 testing.
A beachgoer trying to enter a closed-off Bondi Beach. Source: AAP
In Victoria, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases hit 968 - an increase of 51 from the previous day.
There are 31 people in hospital, including six in intensive care.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Wednesday that 4,000 extra intensive care beds will be established at a cost of $1.3 billion to help the health system cope with an expected surge in sick coronavirus patients.
Queensland has recorded an extra 40 cases, bringing the state's tally to 781.
No new cases have been recorded in Tasmania, but Premier Peter Gutwein is urging residents not to be complacent.
Two elderly people died from the virus in the island state this week, but no positive cases were confirmed on Tuesday - the first time in about two weeks.
Mr Gutwein said the spike of returning cruise ship passengers and overseas travellers was ending.
Police are trying to soothe concerns about the enforcement of new coronavirus self-isolation measures.
Police defend hardline approach
Gatherings of more than two people - apart from immediate family - are banned in NSW and police have powers to fine those flouting the rules.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says officers will take a common sense approach.
"I know there has been criticism of police, which I don't accept. We haven't issued one infringement of the new powers at this stage," he told reporters on Wednesday.
"If you need medical assistance, pharmacies, doctors, the hospital - you can leave. If you need food, can you leave.
"If you are driving home and you need a take-away coffee, nothing wrong with jumping out the car and a coffee, just don't sit down and have it there."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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