Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed on Thursday morning that her government would add 31 new local government areas to a list that previously included three where outbreaks had occurred.

That ban on travellers from the NSW capital visiting the northern state will come into effect from 1am on Saturday.

Two cases have been detected in Queensland among young women who returned via Sydney from Melbourne.

"We have done this to ensure that we give notice to Queenslanders that might want to return home," she said.

The councils included in the Queensland ban are:

The announcement came after news gyms in the Hunter and across NSW will be required to have a dedicated fitness marshall on duty at all times.

NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new measures, which take effect on Saturday, were crucial to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

"Gyms play a crucial role in the promotion of health and fitness across our community but they are not immune from this challenge," Mr Dominello said.

"Without proper COVID safeguards, they may present a transmission risk and that is why we need operators to put their customers first by registering their COVID Safety Plan.

"Whether it's maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated COVID safe hygiene marshalls will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant."

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this is a critical time in the pandemic and urged gym patrons to co-operate with hygiene marshalls.

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