NSW records three more deaths, 1164 new COVID-19 cases
NSW has recorded 1164 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and three deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 26,820.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the change of season and the rate of vaccination should bring hope for residents.
“Being the last day of winter, I can safely say that we’re looking forward it a better spring than we did winter,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Ms Berejiklian also revealed 67 per cent of the adult NSW population had now had their first COVID-19 vaccine dose.
The Premier again flagged that when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose vaccinations, international travel could be back on the cards.
“While 70 per cent double dose gives those of us vaccinated freedoms, 80 per cent double dose allows us to look at international travel, welcoming home all Australians,” she said.
“How wonderful would it be to welcome back all Aussies who want to be reunited with their families by Christmas.
“NSW will step up to support that cause and that case and I stress to everybody the importance of vaccination.”
More than 130,000 tests were conducted in NSW during the last 24 hours.
There is a total of 143 people in the intensive care unit, 58 of whom require ventilation.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has flagged a number of suburbs as being of particular concern at this point in the outbreak – Guildford, Merrylands, Auburn, Greenacre, Bankstown, Blacktown and the surrounding suburbs.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for us to also he see high immunisation coverage levels in these LGAs,” Dr Chant said.
A total of 54 local cases of the virus have been detected outside of Greater Sydney overnight.
Of those, 32 were detected in Dubbo, five were detected in both Wellington and Bathurst.
Eight were detected in Bourke and there was one each found in Narromine, Brewarrina Mudgee and Parkes.
Four cases were detected in Wilcannia while one case was detected in Lake Macquarie and one in Port Stephens. Three in Wollongong and one in Shellharbour.
Four cases were detected on the Central Coast.
Prison in lockdown
Dr Chant said that there are now 75 cases in total which are linked to an outbreak at Parklea prison.
“There have been 43 new cases linked to Parklea Correctional Centre to 8pm last night,” she said.
“All of the new cases are inmates – in total there are 74 positive COVID inmates and one staff member.
Dr Chant said that the prison remains in lockdown.
