NSW has reported 1284 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths as the government unveils a home quarantine pilot plan.
Most of NSW is locked down and police are cracking down on compliance measures as authorities battle to contain the spread of the virulent Delta strain.
This includes the regional council areas of Lismore and Albury, sent back into seven days of lockdown on Thursday evening after uncovering COVID-19 cases.
Of the 12 deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, two people were in their 20s, three people in their 50s, one person in their 60s, two people in their 70s, three people in their 80s and one person in their 90s.
It takes the toll for the current NSW outbreak to 222.
There are 1245 COVID-19 patients in NSW in hospital, with 228 in intensive care units and 112 on ventilators.
With NSW set to hit the 50 per cent double-dose vaccination milestone, Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday said NSW would hold a pilot program for seven days of home quarantine for 175 fully vaccinated international arrivals.
This program would be extended at 80 per cent double-dose coverage.
“That’s Aussies returning home through Sydney Airport but also our citizens having the opportunity to go overseas when previously they weren’t able to,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Meanwhile, NSW Labor has called for more freedoms for outdoor exercise and recreation to be restored to western Sydney locals, including additional freedoms for outdoor picnics.
“The chief health officer has repeatedly informed the community that the transmission of the Delta variant is far more prevalent in indoor settings so it makes sense for the government to take a look at this,” opposition health spokesman Ryan Park said on Friday.
“It still could remain restricted to double vaccinated households but surely spending a few hours outdoors at this very good time is a small way that families can try and get some enjoyment back.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro on Friday said his government would stick to its “measured approach” for reopening after lockdown.
Meanwhile, a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the state’s outbreak will resume on Friday, focusing on issues in western Sydney.
Twelve people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 across three social housing buildings in inner Sydney’s Redfern. A mobile vaccination team is visiting each tower building to provide vaccinations.
Elsewhere, a man has been charged with the serious assault of another man at a drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic in Auburn.
The 18-year-old man allegedly pulled the 55-year-old male victim from his car and punched and kneed him before driving away.
He will appear at Burwood Local Court on Friday.
AAP
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