NSW records 496 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases as vaccinations climb

The numbers continue to drop and vaccinations keep rising as 496 new infections were recorded on the first day NSW reopened to immunised residents.

NSW has recorded 496 new cases of Covid-19, NSW Health officials have announced.

The government body also said there were eight deaths of people with Covid-19.

NSW has now had 90.3 per cent of its residents aged 16 and older now receive their first dose of the Covid-19 jab, while more than 73.5 per cent have had their second dose.

The numbers of people in hospital with Covid-19 has also dropped to 769, with 153 in intensive care.

It comes as NSW reopens to vaccinated residents including the reopening of pubs. restaurants and cafes.

Greater Sydney has been in lockdown since June 26, while other parts of the state have also been forced to endure stay-at-home orders for most of that period.

Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks at press conference at the Marsden Brewhouse in Marsden Park, Sydney on Sunday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

But hospitality venues are now allowed to open their doors to vaccinated people, subject to a rule of one person per 4sq m inside and one person per 2sq m outside – with standing while drinking allowed outside.

A maximum of 20 people are allowed per booking.

Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sq m rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.

Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen, as well as personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons using a one person per 4sq m rule, capped at five clients per premises.