NSW has recorded 262 new cases of COVID-19 and three deaths.

The number of cases diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday was up by 31 from the previous day.

The cases were diagnosed from 80,402 tests. 

It’s the third consecutive day that numbers have inched higher, after Premier Dominic Perrottet on Wednesday warned that NSW residents should expect cases and hospitalisations to increase.

Some 199 people are in hospital with the virus, down from 207 on Wednesday. Of those, 29 are in intensive care.  

The state continues to close in on 95 per cent first dose vaccination coverage.

The latest figures show that 94.3 per cent of people over 16 have received at least one jab, and 91.4 per cent are fully immunised. 

Meanwhile, a one-day dining event in December will see long table lunches through the streets of Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta, in a bid to rejuvenate the hospitality industry.

As part of ‘Sydney’s Open For Lunch’, 600 guests will dine alfresco, enjoying a three-course meal along George St in the Sydney CBD, between Market and Park Street.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the day would be celebrate Sydney’s status as the culinary capital of Australia. 

“We know the last few months have been tough, this event is a chance to revive the spirit of our city by bringing people together to enjoy some of our most talented chefs and performers,” he said.

AAP

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.