NSW has recorded 207 new local COVID-19 cases as vaccinations remain a focus for authorities trying to forge a path out of lockdown.
At least 72 cases were in the community during part or all of their infectious period, with the infection status of another 46 cases currently unknown.
“It is really in our hands as to how we deal with the cases coming down as a community but also our rate of vaccinations,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Monday.
“One learning we have had in the last five weeks is that the vaccinations, both vaccines, are working extremely effectively.
“We still don’t know of anybody in intensive care who has received both doses of the vaccine.”
There are 232 COVID-19 cases in NSW hospitals, with 54 people in intensive care, 25 of whom require ventilation.
A man aged in his 90s, who had one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, died in Liverpool hospital.
He is the 15th death since the outbreak began in mid-June.
Meanwhile, Australian Defence Force troops have joined NSW police patrolling streets in Sydney’s west and southwest to ensure COVID-19 health orders are being observed in the hotspots where the virus is surging.
About 300 ADF troops are reinforcing the efforts of police, patrolling and doorknocking to ensure people are complying with self-isolation and stay-at-home orders in eight Sydney local government areas.
The military support was requested by Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Thursday when NSW reported a record 239 COVID cases – a figure that was matched again on Sunday.
Strathfield South Public School, in Sydney’s west is closed after a COVID-19 case in the school community.
The school’s website says contact tracing and deep cleaning is underway while all staff and students must self-isolate until they receive further advice.
Sydney public transport services have been restored to a regular weekday timetable to avoid overcrowding as the construction industry resumes with some limitations, after a two-week hiatus.
Tradies from the eight worst affected local government areas in Sydney’s west and southwest are still not allowed to work or leave their area.
NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said there were multiple aged care facilities across Sydney where staff and residents had been infected including nine residents at an aged care facility in Summer Hill in the city’s inner west.
AAP
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