NSW is expected to reach a milestone as the number of people who have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will soon be passing 70 per cent.
After reporting its 100th COVID-19-related death, the NSW revealed that more than 6.9 million vaccine doses had been administered, with 69.3 per cent of the population aged 16 and over receiving at least one dose.
The state has also reached another crucial milestone with almost 38 per cent of the population fully vaccinated.
The number of people who’ve received at least one jab has grown by more than one per cent a day over the past week. This implies that the dose that increased the state’s vaccination rate was likely administered on Wednesday.
The increase ensures that NSW will be able to reach 70 per cent full vaccination coverage within a number of weeks, triggering the state’s gradual release from lockdown.
The NSW Government suggested that double-dose coverage vaccinated citizens can go out for a meal and attend public events once they’ve reached the 70 per cent milestone. However, home visits and indoor events will be off the table as they are considered high risk.
An 80 per cent vaccination coverage is expected to happen by November. During this time, Australians overseas will be able to return to NSW without going into hotel quarantine. NSW residents will also be allowed to travel internationally.
But while October will likely give the vaccinated more freedom, the month will also be a time when hospitals are under the most pressure.
The number of COVID-19 cases is expected to rise over the next few weeks before they start to fall. Infections are currently climbing with nearly 1000 people hospitalized.
Four more deaths were reported on Wednesday, along with 1116 new cases.
Meanwhile, over 900 officers were deployed to break up small anti-lockdown protests, arresting more than 150 people and issuing 570 fines.
NSW Police also issued $1000 fines on Wednesday to nine men who attended a party in breach of public health orders.
The party was linked to cases of COVID-19 and investigations were continuing into parties at Maroubra in August involving dozens of people who have since returned positive COVID-19 test results.
WITH NEWS FROM AAP