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Covid warning for almost 200,000 people as 'sad' trend continues

  • NSW records 1007 new cases of Covid-19, 11 deaths

  • 'It's sad': Authorities concerned over deaths at home

  • Concerns for almost 200,000 people as cases grow

There has been a warning issued over a concerning trend in NSW's coronavirus deaths after the state recorded 1007 new cases.

NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty told reporters on Saturday the state had recorded 11 more deaths from Covid-19 and urged people with mild symptoms to come forward for testing.

"It's sad that we've seen a number of people who have died with Covid at home and diagnosed after they've died," he said.

"So, I guess it's an important message we would like to get out it's that if you have the mildest of symptoms come forward for testing for Covid.

"And if your condition deteriorates call your doctor sooner rather than later."

Among Saturday's deaths, three of them were people who died at home. They were two men aged in their 40s and 50s, and a woman in her 80s.

A healthcare worker assists a person as they arrive to check in at the Sonic Healthcare Covid-19 Vaccination hub in the CBD.
A woman checks in at the Sonic Healthcare Covid-19 Vaccination hub in the Sydney CBD. Source: Getty Images

On Friday, NSW recorded 1043 cases and 11 deaths from the highly contagious virus.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said a man in his 40s died at his home in western Sydney. Other deaths included a man in his 50s dying at Broken Hill Hospital.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was pleasing to see vaccination rates "go through the roof" in local government areas of concern, with some showing first dose rates over 90 per cent.

Concerns for almost 200,000 people as cases grow

Dr McAnulty told reporters on Saturday suburbs in Sydney's southwest and west along with the Illawarra continue to see high case numbers.

He named Liverpool, Yagoona, Guildford, Greenacre, Merrylands, Warrawong, Auburn and Rooty Hill as areas of concern.

"There are many clinics available in all communities so please come forward sooner rather than later," Dr McAnulty said.

The suburbs account for a population of more than 178,000 people combined, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Greater Sydney eyes reopening

Greater Sydney and much of the state remains locked down as authorities battle to contain the spread of the virulent Delta strain of the virus.

The "challenging question" of when unvaccinated people can once again take part in day-to-day life remains undecided by the NSW government, but the state's treasurer says things should "open up" once everyone has been offered two jabs.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said he does not want a "two-tiered society" in NSW.

"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 2GB on Friday afternoon.

People gather for picnics at Observatory Hill in Sydney, Australia.
People enjoy picnics at Sydney's Observatory Hill. Source: Getty Images

Opposition Leader Chris Minns suggested the comment 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.

The freedoms to be reinstated once the state reaches the 70 per cent target next month are limited to those who are fully vaccinated.

Those who have not received two jabs will not be able to attend restaurants, shops, pubs and other places that are set to reopen.

Currently, 84 per cent of NSW residents have had at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, and more than 57 per cent are fully vaccinated.

One-third of NSW children aged between 12 and 15 have already been vaccinated despite being eligible for the jab for less than a fortnight.

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.

with AAP

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