NSW records 345 cases as Premier provides exit lockdown strategy

NSW has recorded 345 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases and two new deaths, with three more Sydney LGAs facing tighter restrictions.  From 5pm residents in  Bayside, Strathfield and Burwood areas will only be allowed to obtain food or other essential services and exercise within 5km of their home.

There are now 374 Covid-19 patients in hospital in NSW, with 62 of those in intensive care, 29 of whom require ventilation.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW health system is under "enormous" pressure.

"Of the 62 cases in intensive care, three are in their 20s, seven are in their 30s, five are in their 40s, 13 are in their 50s, 13 are in their 60s, 19 in their 70s and two in their 80s," deputy chief health officer Dr Marianne Gale said.

"Of the 62 people in intensive care, 57 are not vaccinated, and the remaining five have had one dose of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer."

NSW Police will present their additional compliance measures at the NSW crisis cabinet meeting tomorrow afternoon.

Police Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing said the commissioner has been consulting with with the executive and regional commanders across the state to determine what the new compliance measures will look like.

"He will present back to crisis cabinet tomorrow afternoon," he said.

Meanwhile, NSW Premire Gladys Berejiklian has provided the detailed look so far at how the governmnet thinks NSW will exit the Covid-19 lockdown.

Ms Berejiklian is giving residents hope for some easing of restrictions in September and October, with more freedoms once the state gets 70 per cent of its population fully vaccinated, which it’s on track to do by the end of October.

The figures are based on modelling by the Doherty Institute that suggested releasing restrictions before 70 per cent were vaccinated would see cases increase. The figures also form part of the Morrison government’s plan to open up Australia to the rest of the world.

 “I think it’s important to say to people, that if we have high rates of vaccination there is every chance you might be able to do something more than what you can today,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Does it mean we will live like we did before the outbreak? No, but what it does mean is that people will be able to do more than what they can today.”

An end to lockdown would not come until the state had vaccinated 70 per cent of people over the age of 16 with two doses, which is the point where Ms Berejiklian said “we start living life like we used to before the outbreak”.

NSW appears to be on track to reach the 70 per cent target by November 2, according to covidlive.com.au.

It is expected to hit 80 per cent by November 19, based on the current rate of vaccinations.

Ms Berejiklian said that once 80 per cent had been vaccinated, the state will no longer focus on the number of cases.

“We focus on the number of hospitalisations because when you have such high rates of vaccination, people cannot only live more freely but we can focus on keeping people out of hospital as opposed to counting the cases.”