NSW records 231 new local cases of coronavirus and no new deaths

NSW has recorded 231 new Covid-19 cases and zero new deaths as the state inches closer to its next vaccination target.

NSW has reported 231 new Covid-19 cases and no new deaths from the virus on Wednesday.

There are now 207 people in hospital with the virus – 33 in intensive care.

Of the NSW over 16 population, 94.2 per cent have now received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine and 91.3 per cent are double-dose vaccinated.

So far 80.7 per cent of people aged 12-15 have had one shot and 73.9 per cent of this age group is now fully vaccinated.

There were 88,104 Covid-19 tests conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday.

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. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

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.