NSW reports a record 1533 new coronavirus cases and four more deaths

None of the four people who died were vaccinated. 

Nine of the new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the largely Indigenous community of Wilcannia in the state's west, bringing the total number of infections in far western NSW to at least 107. 

There are 1,041 coronavirus patients in the state's hospitals, with 173 in intensive care units and 62 on ventilators.

Of those in intensive care, 137 are unvaccinated, 29 have had just one dose, and seven are fully vaccinated. 

There are about 11,000 active coronavirus cases across the state, with 90 per cent being cared for either at home or in New South Wales Health accommodation.

Vaccination rate increases

Almost 130,000 New South Wales residents got vaccinated yesterday. 

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said vaccination remains a key tool to reduce transmission of the virus. 

“The way forward, and it's a very positive way forward, is to get vaccinated,” he said. “Those who are still hesitating, there is no reason to hesitate."

"There are very good vaccines available here in New South Wales. There is an abundance of venues where you can get vaccinated, and it is absolutely crucial that for us to get back our freedoms as quickly as possible.”

At least 72 per cent of New South Wales residents aged 16 years and over have now received their first dose, and just under 40 per cent are fully vaccinated. 

There were 131,174 tests carried out on Friday. 

Plea to take care of mental health 

Lifeline Australia chair John Brogden, who was formerly the NSW opposition leader, said the mental health hotline had been receiving a higher volume of calls, with the state’s residents reporting increased stress, depression and anxiety during the lockdown.

“I have depression, I have suicidal ideation, I know what it is like to live with mental illness, and I know what it is like to live with mental illness during COVID,” he said.

Lifeline is receiving more than 1,000 calls a day in New South Wales, compared to around 700 calls a day two years ago. 

“No child, no adolescent, has ever lived to a time like this. In fact, most of us have never lived to a time like this. This is affecting everybody. This is affecting us all in very different ways. So please look after yourself, please be kind to yourself, and the other important message is: don't suffer in silence.”

More to come.

SBS is providing live translations of daily New South Wales and Victoria COVID-19 press conferences in various languages. Click here for more information.

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