NSW records 1,290 new COVID cases, another four deaths

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says fully vaccinated people will be given greater freedoms in October as the state records 1,290 new COVID cases and four deaths.

Ms Berejiklian said the state was on track to get 70 per cent of people fully vaccinated in October.

“Vaccination is the key in terms of our freedom and reducing the spread of the virus.,” she said.

The Premier said it was an “outstanding result” that 6.8 million jabs had now been administered in NSW with nearly two thirds of the adult population having one dose and 36 per cent with two doses.

However, Ms Berejiklian said there would still be restrictions when NSW businesses start to reopen at the 70 per cent double dose milestone.

“You will have to check in, demonstrate you have been vaccinated, demonstrate social distancing, in certain settings you will have to wear a mask,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“But at 70 per cent double dose, life will be better than it is today.”

Four more people died from COVID-19, including the state’s first regional death. There have now been 93 deaths during the current outbreak.

Of the four deaths, a man his 50s who had significant underlying health conditions died at Dubbo Hospital, while a man in his 70s who died at Westmead Hospital also had  underlying health conditions.

A man aged in his 70s who died after contracting COVID-19 at Meredith House healthcare facility. A woman in her 60s from Western Sydney who was infected at Cumberland Hospital also died.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant pointed out Guildford, Merrylands, Auburn, Greenacre, Yagoona, Punchbowl, Blacktown and surrounding suburbs as the locations seeing the highest growth in cases.

“We are seeing such a high case rate. I cannot urge you enough to come forward for testing but importantly, be very careful in the way you move about in your community.”