NSW Covid updates: 145 new cases, 51 infectious in community

The state's top doctor has issued a desperate vaccine plea to NSW residents aged over 60 after the state recorded two more deaths this afternoon. Read Monday's live blog.

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The state's top doctor has issued a desperate plea to NSW residents aged over 60 after the state recorded 145 new Covid cases.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant called the number of over 60s and 70s still unvaccinated "distressing", pleading with them to go and get the jab. 

NSW recorded 145 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/TUUIDvd6SP

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 26, 2021

"It is actually quite distressing, when I review the numbers, to see how few over 60-year-olds and over 70-year-olds we have managed to reach," Dr Chant said.

"Anyone who is over 60 or over 70 should be going to their doctor as a matter of urgency... in coming days, and get a dose of vaccine and please keep yourself safe."

Of today's reported cases, 51 were infectious in the community. There are currently 156 people battling the virus in hospital with 44 in the ICU and 18 on ventilators.

Read Monday's live blog.