NSW records 477 new local COVID-19 cases and six deaths as it prepares to reopen

New South Wales has recorded 477 new local cases of COVID-19 and six more deaths, as the state prepares to reopen for the fully vaccinated.

One new case was acquired overseas and one was acquired interstate, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 68,523.

There were six new deaths reported in the 24 hours to 8pm Saturday – all men aged in their 50s to 70s, five of whom were not vaccinated. One had received one dose of a COVID vaccine.

Premier Dominic Perrottet addressed the media from a brewery in north-western Sydney.

“It is a big day for our state and for everyone across New South Wales, you have earned it. It has been 100 days
of blood, sweat and no beers but we have got it and we are back in action tomorrow,” he said.

“It has been a very difficult time for the people of our state, over 100 days of people making enormous sacrifices not be able to say goodbye to their loved ones or get married, businesses close and people out of work.”

More than 90 per cent of people over the age of 16 have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 72.8 per cent are fully vaccinated.

There are currently 794 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 159 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation.

Source: sbs.com.au