NSW reports 212 new Covid-19 cases, two deaths

NSW has recorded 212 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths as the state inches closer to its next vaccination target.

NSW has reported 212 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths on Tuesday.

There are now 210 people in hospital with the virus – 32 in intensive care.

The number of new infections reported on Tuesday marked a slight increase on the past two days, with 165 new cases reported on Monday and 195 new cases confirmed on Sunday.

However, the number of new daily infections and the number of people in hospital with the virus both continue to trend downwards.

Of the NSW over 16 population, 94.2 per cent have now received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine and 91.9 per cent are double-dose vaccinated.

There were 67,893 Covid-19 tests conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

So far 80.6 per cent of people aged 12-15 have had one shot and 73.4 per cent of this age group is now fully vaccinated.

There were 67,893 Covid-19 tests conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday.

Elective surgery has begun to return to full capacity for public and private patients in hospitals in Greater Sydney, including the Nepean Blue Mountains and Illawarra Shoalhaven local health districts.

The cap on non-urgent elective surgery, introduced to free up beds for coronavirus patients, was lifted on Monday.

Health officials say the 75 per cent cap on overnight, non-urgent elective surgery in public and private hospitals can now be safely removed due to the very high rates of vaccination in NSW and stable levels of community transmission.

Covid-19 restrictions are next set to ease when NSW reaches 95 per cent double vaccination or on December 15, 2021, whichever comes first.

On that date, proof of vaccination will no longer by required under public health orders and non-critical retail will be allowed to open to the unvaccinated.

Originally published as NSW reports 212 new Covid-19 cases, two deaths