Thread by @NSWHealth

NSW recorded 135 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

No new cases were acquired overseas and one new case was acquired interstate. Seven cases have been excluded following further investigation, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 75,218.

Sadly, NSW Health is today reporting the deaths of four people with COVID-19, two men and two women.

Two people, a man in his 70s and a woman aged 101, acquired their infections at the Mercy Place aged care facility in Albury. They were both fully vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. There have now been five deaths linked to an outbreak at this aged care facility.

A man in his 60s who died at Concord Hospital acquired his infection at Parklea Correctional Centre. He was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.

A woman in her 60s from south east Sydney died at Prince of Wales Hospital. She was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.

NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones.

There have been 518 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since 16 June 2021 and 574 in total since the start of the pandemic.

There have been 69,526 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in this outbreak was reported.

There are currently 349 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 77 people in intensive care, 33 of whom require ventilation.

There were 62,857 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 75,378.

To 11:59pm on Saturday 30 October 2021 across NSW, 93.6 per cent of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 87.7 per cent were fully vaccinated.

In the 12-15 year old age group, 79.3 per cent have had their first dose, and 61.8 per cent are fully vaccinated.

The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 12,329,131 with 4,050,714 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 8,278,417 administered by the GP network, pharmacies and other providers to 11:59pm on Saturday 30 October 2021.

Of the 135 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 30 are from Hunter New England Local Health District (LHD), 26 are from Murrumbidgee LHD, 23 are from South Western Sydney LHD, 14 are from Mid North Coast LHD,11 are from Sydney LHD, nine are from Western Sydney LHD,-

five are from Southern NSW LHD, three are from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, three are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, two are from Northern Sydney LHD, two are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, two are from Western NSW LHD, one is from Central Coast LHD, one is from Far West NSW LHD -

-and three are from correctional settings.
NSW Health state-run clinics are now offering a booster dose, using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, to individuals aged 18 and over.

This booster shot will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.

People aged 18 years and older may receive a booster at least six months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia.

From today, with fully vaccinated international travellers returning to the country without quarantine, regional travel, and other restrictions easing - it’s more important than ever to continue our COVID-19 safe behaviours.

It is vital that anyone who has any symptoms of COVID-19 is tested immediately and isolates.

It is critical that we maintain high testing rates, particularly in the regions, including in areas where there are no cases. Testing allows us to know where the virus may be circulating and gives us the ability to get any potential outbreaks under control as quickly as possible.

If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccination yet, please don’t delay. Even if you have had COVID-19 and recovered, you should get vaccinated.

In this phase of the pandemic, the onus is on every one of us to keep each other safe, especially our most vulnerable.

This also means wearing a mask where required, practicing physical distancing, particularly in indoor settings, maintaining hand hygiene, and always checking in using the Service NSW app.

If you are directed to get tested for COVID 19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.

Please check the NSW Government website regularly; nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-…, and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern or travelled on a public transport route at the same time as a confirmed case of COVID-19.

This list is updated regularly as case investigations proceed.

There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.

Video of today’s update is available here: vimeo.com/640970522/7b68…