NSW could hit 80 per cent vaccine milestone ‘in days’ as state records 444 new cases

NSW has recorded 444 new cases of Covid-19 as the state surges towards another major vaccine milestone that could be achieved within days.

NSW is surging towards its next vaccine target that could be achieved in just days if that state keeps up its current pace.

New figures reveal about 76.55 per cent of eligible residents are fully vaccinated and more than 91 per cent have received one dose.

That’s up on Tuesday’s double-dose figure of 75.23 per cent – a 1.32 per cent jump overnight.

If NSW keeps pace it could hit the 80 per cent mark this weekend, meaning the next wave of restrictions would ease on Monday, October 18 – a week earlier than projected.

More restrictions could ease as early as Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The CovidLive vaccine tracking website forecasts that NSW will hit 80 per cent this Sunday, but it could come even earlier.

New freedoms mean fully vaccinated people can have 20 visitors to their home, travel to regional NSW and no longer have to wear masks outdoors.

They can also drink while standing. Density limits will be reduced at businesses like hair salons and hospitality venues.

NSW #COVID19 UPDATE – Wednesday 13 October 2021

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

- 90.8% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 75.2% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 105,508 tests in the last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/EKpOWnUWpS

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) October 12, 2021

Another 444 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in NSW as the state entered its third day of the first wave of new freedoms.

There were also four deaths.

The figure is slightly higher than Tuesday’s 360 daily cases, but the number of infections has steadily declined as the vaccine rate surges.