All non-urgent elective surgery will cease in public hospitals across Greater Sydney as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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The measure comes into effect on Monday, with all emergency and urgent surgery unaffected.
"Those waiting for non-urgent elective surgery impacted by the changes will be contacted and encouraged to reach out to their referring doctor should their condition in any way deteriorate, so they can be reviewed and re-prioritised to a more urgent category if required," NSW Health said in a statement.
"Postponing non-urgent surgery will support the state's healthcare workers as they manage the demands of the COVID-19 response, providing increased capacity to support health services for the people of Greater Sydney."
While Illawarra Shoalhaven and the Central Coast are also in lockdown, non-urgent elective surgery will continue in hospitals there.
NSW Health says it currently has sufficient intensive care capacity, with more than 500 beds available.
That capacity can be boosted to 2000 beds if required, with 2000 ventilators also available, it said.
There are currently 58 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, with 24 being ventilated.
Australian Associated Press
