NSW records 1007 new cases of COVID-19 11 new deaths

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The virus continues to spread in NSW regions.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven region recorded 70 new cases, while 20 cases were found in western NSW, and six new cases in Broken Hill.

The majority - nine - of those people who died were unvaccinated, while two people had received one dose. Eight had underlying medical conditions.

Of those who died, one person was in their 40s, another in their 50s, while two people were in their 60s, three people were in their 70s, three people were in their 80s and one person was in their 90s.

Sewage detection has detected fragments of the virus in Tamworth, Dareton and Balranald, Oberon, Dungog, and Eden.

Steady hospital and ICU numbers  

NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said he was proud of the NSW residents who were coming out to get vaccinated.

"The more people we can get vaccinated, the sooner we'll reach those goals of 70 and 80 per cent," he said in a video message on Saturday. 

Hospital and ICU numbers remain steady as the state approaches October, when hospitalisations are expected to peak.

There are 1187 COVID-19 patients in hospital in NSW, with 229 in intensive care and 118 on ventilators.

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The state is just weeks away from reaching 70 per cent full vaccination of its eligible population, triggering the return of some freedoms for the vaccinated.

Currently, 84 per cent of NSW residents have had at least one vaccine dose, and more than 57 per cent are fully vaccinated.

But the government is yet to reveal what residents can expect when NSW hits the next target of 80 per cent.

The issue of when unvaccinated people will be allowed to attend restaurants, pubs and shops is undecided, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday describing it as a "challenging question".

'Two-tiered society'

Her treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, says he does not want a "two-tiered society".

"Once every single person in this state has had the opportunity be vaccinated with two doses then we should open up for everyone," Mr Perrottet told Sydney radio station 2GB on Friday afternoon.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns suggested the treasurer's comments could undermine public health messaging.

"It's really important the NSW government is singing from the same song sheet and continues to encourage people to get vaccinated," Mr Minns said.

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Meanwhile, alcohol is now allowed temporarily at some Sydney public parks to "reward and thank" vaccinated picnickers.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said rules restricting alcohol at sites managed by Placemaking NSW will be put on hold until October 31.

"After an incredibly tough winter, people who have followed COVID rules and received both jabs deserve to enjoy a beer or wine responsibly," Mr Stokes said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

Additional reporting: AAP

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