NSW records 9243 new Covid cases and 15 deaths as restrictions ease

NSW has recorded a slight drop in infections with 9243 new cases and 15 deaths with major changes to Covid rules taking effect.

NSW has recorded 9243 new Covid-19 infections and 15 deaths on the first day of eased restrictions across the state.

The update from NSW Health is a slight drop in infections after the state recorded 9995 on Thursday and 10,463 on Wednesday.

Hospitalisations are continuing to fall with 1381 patients now in hospital, including 92 in ICU.

On Thursday there were 1447 in hospital. The number of people in ICU remains the same.

Of Friday’s new cases, 5376 results were from rapid antigen tests and 3867 were the result of PCR.

Across the state, 94.2 per cent of people aged over 16 have had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 50.3 per cent are triple vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 83.6 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 have had one dose of a vaccine and 78.9 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Major changes have been made to mask rules. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

QR codes are now scrapped from all retail and hospitality venues except for nightclubs and large music festivals.

Dancing and singing is allowed at all venues just in time for revellers to celebrate over the weekend.

Hospitality density limits have also been dumped and the work-from home direction no longer exists in NSW.

From February 25, a new suite of changes will come into effect in NSW including masks only being required on public transport, airports, aged-care facilities, correctional facilities and hospitals.

Hotel quarantine isolation requirements for unvaccinated travellers will be shortened to seven days from Monday, February 21.

Elective surgeries are also set to return in metropolitan areas after being paused to relieve pressure on the health care system.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced a huge shift in the way Covid is approached. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Singing and dancing will be permitted at music festivals and the 20,000 person cap is set to go.

However, revellers attending a music event with more than 1000 patrons will need to be fully vaccinated.

Mr Perrottet on Thursday said a plummeting number of infected people in hospital was the reason behind the changes.

“This is what the new world looks like as the pandemic moves to an endemic phase,” Mr Perrottet said.

“There are very pleasing signs now in hospitals at the moment right across our state. And so as a result we are lifting a range of restrictions,” he said.

“From time to time, we will see cases increase … This is the new reality.”

Mr Perrottet said the government is pushing to get people back into Sydney’s CBD to revive the economy, urging employers to encourage workers to return to the office.

Originally published as NSW records 9243 new Covid cases and 15 deaths as restrictions ease