Riverina released from NSW regional lockdown, 1405 cases recorded

Ms Berejiklian said NSW would reach 70 per cent double dose vaccination ahead of other states and she does not anticipate border will reopen at that stage.

She said by the time NSW gets to 80 per cent double dose she expects other states will have caught up and there will no longer be closed internal borders in Australia.

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The Riverina region will be released form lockdown as of 11.59pm Friday night.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian this morning confirmed the Mid and North Coast of NSW as well as the Murrumbidgee and Riverina areas would be released from regional NSW's lockdown restrictions.

Albury, Greater Hume, Edward River, Berrigan, Murray River Lockhart and Federation shires are all set to be released from lockdown.

Ms Berejiklian said the parts of NSW coming out of lockdown on Saturday will still have restrictions on them.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said regions reopening would not be coming back to a pre-lockdown environment.

He said community sport would not be permitted.

Mr Barilaro said if an active case appears in the community the area will go into lockdown of 14 days.

In freed LGAs up to five visitors will be allowed at homes, not including children under 12, and up to 20 people can gather outdoors.

Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per four square metres inside and one person per two square metres outside. Standing while drinking is permitted.

Retail stores can reopen under the one person per four square metre rule.

Personal service such as hairdressers and nail salons can open under the one person per four square metre rule, but with a five person cap.

Gyms and indoor recreation can open under the under the one person per four square metre rule and offer classes to 20 people.

Sporting facilities and pools can reopen.

Schools will reopen under level three COVID Safe measures

Stadiums and racecourses can reopen with a 5000 person cap.

Cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries can reopen with under the one person per four square metre rule or 75 per cent seated capacity.

50 guests are allowed at weddings, with dancing permitted.

Up to 50 guests can attend funerals

Places of worship can reopen under the one person per four square metre rule.

Masks remain mandatory indoors, on public transport,.

Ms Berejiklian said at any time if there is an outbreak NSW Health can implement restrictions even once the state reaches 70 per cent vaccination.

She said the new freedoms would trigger the first Monday after the 70 per cent was reached.

At 70 per cent double dose vaccination NSW residents will be able to travel throughout the state.

It comes as the state recorded 1405 cases of COVID-19 and six deaths.

There are currently 1,175 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 202 people in intensive care, 80 of whom require ventilation.

A man in his 80s from north-western Sydney died at Nepean Hospital.

A woman in her 70s from western Sydney died at Ryde Hospital.

A woman in her 70s from western Sydney died at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.

A man in his 80s from south-western Sydney died at Westmead Hospital.

A woman in her 40s from south-western Sydney, died at Liverpool Hospital.

107,000 were vaccinated in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday.

Stay-at-home orders will remain in place in the following LGAs:

IN OTHER NEWS:

Yesterday Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed regional Victoria, apart from Shepparton, would be released from lockdown at 11.59pm tonight.

Strict restrictions and density limits still apply, and residents must still wear a mask indoors and outdoors.

Victoria recorded 324 cases of locally-acquired COVID in the 24 hours to midnight Wednesday, and one case in hotel quarantine.

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