The NSW government on Thursday announced the lockdown in regional NSW will be extended until Friday September 10.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the decision was vital as the regions remain “on a knife’s edge” as the virus continues to spread.
There were 35 new cases in the Western Local Health District, including 25 in Dubbo.
There were six new cases in the state’s far west, including five in Wilcannia.
There were no new cases in the Hunter-New England Local Health District, and two each in the Illawarra and on the Central Coast.
Virus fragments were detected in the sewerage systems in Tamworth, Merimbula, Cooma and Brewarrina – locations that had no known COVID-19 cases.
The regional lockdown had been due to end this weekend.
Increasing vaccination rates
People across NSW who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed more freedoms next month after NSW hit the target of six million jabs.
This is the first step in the recovery roadmap and further freedoms will follow when the state hits full vaccination targets of 70 and 80 per cent.
The 70 per cent target could be reached in mid-October, with 136,000 people being vaccinated yesterday.
What lies ahead
From Monday September 13, people living outside the local government areas of concern will be allowed gatherings of up to 5 people, provided all the adults have been fully vaccinated.
John Barilaro said this roadmap is our path to freedom and the biggest incentive yet to get vaccinated so we can return to a level of normality.
“The roadmap outlines a clear pathway forward in which a range of family, industry, community and economic restrictions will be lifted for those that are fully vaccinated when NSW hits 70 per cent,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Having a meal with loved ones or having a drink with friends is just around the corner, but to get there, we need to keep up momentum in the vaccination rollout.”
For more information
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
There are several options to receive your ‘proof of COVID-19 vaccination’:
• Download your COVID-19 digital certificate via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app or your Medicare online account through myGov. You can add your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Instructions are available on the Services Australia website.
• If you can’t get proof online, your vaccination provider can print your immunisation history statement for you.
• Call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809 (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm) and ask for your statement to be sent to you. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the post.
For the latest information visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19
