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NSW hits 'terrific' vaccine milestone as cases drop

  • NSW Covid case numbers drop below 1000

  • Premier teases 80 per cent road map

  • Vaccine numbers are 'terrific'

NSW has recorded 961 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Sunday the state has hit 59.2 per cent of fully vaccinated residents.

"There is not long to go before New South Wales starts approaching that 70 per cent double dose figure and I ask everybody to please hold the line," she said.

"It's really important we work hard now so that when we do start opening up at 70 per cent, we are able to do so safely."

People are seen exercising along the boardwalk at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Cases have dropped but the NSW Premier is still concerned about two regions. Source: Getty Images

Premier teases 80 per cent road map

She also said the NSW Government is "very close" to finalising its 80 per cent roadmap.

It will also include what unvaccinated people will be able to do, the premier said. Ms Berejiklian believes there will be "two to three weeks" between when the state hits 70 per cent and when it hits 80.

"New South Wales will be the first date that in all likelihood hits 80 per cent double dose, but they will also be a point in time after that where unvaccinated people will be able to participate in activities," the premier said.

"So that is the information we are providing this week to make very clear when those key milestones will occur."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses media during a press conference outside the Covid Vaccination hub at Macquarie Fields, south west of Sydney.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a road map for 80 per cent double dose will be released soon. Source: Getty Images

She called the freedoms "a very exciting proposition". It is believed NSW will hit the 70 per cent double dosage milestone by the second week of October. That means 80 per cent could be reached before November.

From Monday, residents will be able to enjoy swimming in public pools within 5km of their home or within their LGA.

Vaccine numbers 'are terrific'

NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the state has administered more than 9.6 million vaccine doses.

"These numbers are terrific and really thanks to the community for coming forward and getting vaccinated," he said.

"We would like to push the 16-39 year old people to come forward with a doses as well. It's important we all come together to raise levels, and younger people need to come forward to get vaccinated. Help protect yourself and your loved ones."

The premier added pleasingly cases have begun to decline in a number of southwest Sydney suburbs but unfortunately the Illawarra and Central Coast cases have gone up.

NSW recorded 1007 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday and 11 deaths.

Liverpool, Yagoona, Guildford, Greenacre, Merrylands, Warrawong, Auburn and Rooty Hill were named as areas of concern due to rising cases.

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