Ending Sydney's coronavirus lockdown as planned may be in jeopardy after large crowds flocked to enjoy the sunshine on the same day as the state's biggest surge in COVID-19 cases during the current wave.
One week into full lockdown, 35 new cases were recorded on Saturday, nine of which were infectious during their time in the community.
Despite that, people flocked to beaches, parks and markets.
READ MORE: NSW records 35 new COVID-19 cases
Premier Gladys Berejiklian claimed "we have seen the tide turn" on the outbreak but warned people to follow lockdown rules.
"We have a chance to get out of this lockdown as soon as we can, so long as we don't let our guard down and suddenly let the virus spread today and tomorrow because of the good weather," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Please avoid any social contact with anybody outside your household."
The hopes of the turning tide rest on the number of new cases that have been detected whilst already in isolation, which health authorities expect will see the rate of community transmission swiftly turn.
"It isn't a half-hearted lockdown, we are seeing the impact and the flattening, but we've had bumps because what's happened is we've had some super-spreading events," Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.
Dr Chant said 29 of Saturday's new cases were linked to previous ones, including 14 household contacts.
Six cases were under investigation.
Dozens of fines for COVID breaches
Police said they had fined 78 people for breaching health orders in the previous 24 hours, including people refusing to wear face masks.
"We are deep in a war with this virus and we can't win this war unless the community are all with us," Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
"You don't win it with whacko views. Unfortunately, we're seeing that some people who think it's OK not to wear masks.
"My strong message to the community is, we will only win this war against the virus if people wear masks and follow all the other instructions that we understand will keep us safe.
"Wear a mask and don't get caught up in the whacko views some are expressing."
Three men — two aged 21 and one 23 — were fined after they travelled from Sydney to the Jenolan Caves "because they were feeling bored", police said.
READ MORE: Hundreds enjoy Sydney sunshine during lockdown
