NSW records 360 new virus cases after restrictions lifted

NSW has recorded just 360 new cases of Covid after residents enjoyed their first day of freedom in four months.

Another 360 new Covid-19 infections have been recorded in NSW as residents enjoy new freedoms after four months of being locked down.

There were also five deaths including four men and one woman. One person was in their 40s, one person was in their 50s, and three people were in their 80s.

There are 766 cases in hospital, with 155 people in intensive care - 74 of whom require ventilation.

Of the new cases, most were from Sydney southwest (93), western Sydney (53) and the Hunter region (47).

NSW #COVID19 UPDATE – TUESDAY 12 OCTOBER 2021

In the 24 hour reporting period to 8pm last night:

-90.4% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
-74% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
-88,988 tests
-360 new locally acquired cases pic.twitter.com/I6mkgmPUd3

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) October 11, 2021

NSW Health said it found fragments of Covid-19 in the sewage plants in Brooklyn, north of Sydney, and Gerringong on the south coast.

Meanwhile, case numbers have slowly declined as the vaccine rate surges.

NSW is on target to reach the 80 per cent double dose milestone early next week meaning more freedoms, including regional travel, could be on the cards within the next fortnight.

Though some reports on Monday suggested it could be even earlier.

360 cases were recorded on Tuesday. Picture: NCA Newswire /Gaye Gerard

On Tuesday the mark hit 75.23 per cent, up more than a full percentage point from yesterday, meaning NSW could reach its next milestone by the weekend.

It would trigger a further relaxation of public health restrictions for fully-vaccinated people from Monday, October 18, if that pace is maintained.

Among the new freedoms would be allowing groups of 20 people to gather in homes, excluding children, and up to 50 people can congregate outdoors.

Originally published as NSW records 360 new virus cases after restrictions lifted