NSW has recorded 13 deaths and 1083 new community cases of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday.
Restrictions are being eased in the parts of Sydney that have been experiencing the highest number of cases. Photo: AFP
During a briefing in Sydney today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced an easing of restrictions for Sydney's Covid-19 hotspots from tomorrow.
The state's local government areas (LGAs) of concern will be subjected to the same lockdown rules and stay-at-home orders as the rest of Greater Sydney from tomorrow.
This will means no limit on the duration of outdoor exercise and recreation, outdoor gatherings of up to five fully vaccinated people within a person's LGA and the return of small weddings.
The authorised worker conditions and the travel permit requirements will remain in place for those 12 LGAs, however.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank those communities in Western and south-western Sydney who have been doing it tougher so long," Berejiklian said.
"They have led the way in our vaccination rates, they have shown us the way, and what it means to be resilient and strong."
The premier said she was unsure if case numbers had peaked but said the "signs are positive"
The state administered 31,934 vaccines yesterday; 81.9 percent of those eligible have received one vaccine dose and 51.9 percent have received both doses.
The 13 people who died were: one person in their 40s, two in their 50s, two in their 60s, five in their 70s and three in their 80s.
Nine people were not vaccinated, two people had received one dose and two people - a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, both with underlying health conditions - had received both doses.
Victoria cases exceed 500; roadmap out of lockdown announced
Victoria has recorded 507 new community cases and one further death. It takes the number of active cases in the state to 5262, with the vast majority of those acquired in the community.
Victorian hospitality venues and some retail businesses will be able to reopen in outdoor areas once Victoria reaches its 70 per cent full-vaccination target, it's been announced.
Places of worship and community sport will also be able to resume, under the state's roadmap out of restrictions outlined by Premier Daniel Andrews today.
Once Victoria hits the 70 per cent double-dose target, expected around October 26, there will be no limits on travel and outdoor gatherings of 50 people will be allowed.
By Christmas Day, up to 30 visitors will be allowed to the home, if the 80 per cent full vaccination target is met, under the state's five-step plan.
Once the state reaches 80 per cent single-dose coverage, contactless recreation including golf, tennis and bowls will be permitted.
Activities and freedoms will only be available to fully vaccinated people and the Andrews government is also moving to make vaccines mandatory for all authorised workers, teachers, childcare workers, parents of childcare workers, hospitality workers and patrons.
Healthcare workers must have had one dose by October 15, with dates for other sectors to come.
But from tonight, Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Mitchell Shire will re-enter lockdown for seven days due to increased cases in the region.
People queue for Covid-19 coronavirus tests in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda Photo: AFP
The health department has not provided details about how many of the new infections are linked to known outbreaks, as contact tracers work to stay on top of the Delta outbreak.
Authorities yesterday admitted the contact tracing system was "under pressure" but denied it was overwhelmed amid an overhaul to the way positive cases are contacted.
Victoria administered 43,441 vaccine doses yesterday.
Earlier federal data shows at least 71.2 percent of Victorians had one dose, and 43.5 percent were fully vaccinated.
With infections expected to keep rising and pressure mounting on the state's healthcare system, Melbourne will stay in some form of lockdown until more of the population has had both doses.
- ABC