The state government is defending its recent handling of COVID-19 after mask rules were brought back today.

While the Opposition commended the decision, Labor Leader Chris Minns says it was a week too late.

NSW recorded 5,715 cases of COVID-19 today and the number of people in isolation is far greater.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Stuart Ayres told Chris O’Keefe while he accepts high case numbers are concerning for many, it’s primarily up to the individual to manage their own health.

Stuart Ayres: “If people are making their own assessments around how they manage their health because they’ve been provided clear and consistent advice by the NSW government, then that’s a good thing.

“I am continually inspired by the way the NSW citizen responds to the information that we provide them.

“It’s the public that remains our primary focus.”

Chris O’Keefe: “Are you living in an alternate universe here? It doesn’t seem like you are living in the same city as the rest of us.”

Stuart Ayres: “I’m not living in an alternate universe, Chris, and I acknowledge the fact that COVID is going to frighten here.

“What is important here is we provide them the confidence, with the information about how they can manage their own health, make sure we provide a set of settings that minimise and reduce the spread of COVID, and get the balance right between that and how we manage our economy.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview