NSW has recorded 1259 new cases of coronavirus and 12 further deaths, a jump in infections from yesterday.
However, the curfew in high-risk Sydney LGAs will be lifted tonight after New South Wales passed the 80 per cent single-dose milestone. Other restrictions will remain.
Despite ending the curfew, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said now was not a time for residents to become complacent.
“We can’t move on anything else just now. We need everybody to hold the line,” Ms Berejiklian said.”Please make sure that if you live in those local government areas of concern that you stick to every other rule that’s in place.”
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou said he welcomed the news.
“Finally, the Premier has listened to my concerns that the Cumberland community and other LGAs were being unfairly penalised with curfews and stringent lockdowns,” he said.
“I think it’s a poor reflection on the Government that it has taken this long to come to their senses as my community has been collateral damage.”
Cr Christou said people in south-west Sydney had been treated as “second-class citizens” and had suffered a heavy economic and mental health burden.
“I will be meeting with the NSW Treasurer (Dominic) Perrottet this afternoon to discuss how the Government can provide further assistance to our community,” he said.
Ms Berejiklian said 80 per cent of people in the state have now received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
More than 47.5 percent of people in the state have had both doses. Ms Berejiklian called it an outstanding result.
“To reach our first dose of 80 per cent is a huge tribute to everybody in the community and some of our communities in western and south-western Sydney have vaccination rates closer to 90 per cent,” she said.
Ms Berejiklian has stressed that once NSW hits a double-dose vaccination rate of 70 per cent, the freedoms given to residents will only apply to those who are fully vaccinated.
“At 70 per cent double dose, you will be required under health orders, to only be able to frequent venues if you’re vaccinated. I want to make that clear,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It’s black and white. If you’re not vaccinated, you can’t go to a restaurant. You can’t go to a cafe.”
Of the coronavirus deaths, two were in their 50s, three were in their 60s, three were in their 70s, two in their 80s and one in their 90s.
Ten of the 12 were not vaccinated, and one had only received one dose.
Only a man in his 90s with underlying health conditions died with coronavirus despite having both doses.
Ms Berejiklian has said some communities in the state who are registering lower than average vaccination rates have a choice to receive the jab – but their freedoms will be impacted once the state opens up.
“Obviously, some communities like Byron have a larger percentage of people who choose not to be vaccinated. That’s their choice but they won’t be able to participate in the activities vaccinated people will,” the Premier said.