Two Victorians with COVID-19 have died, health authorities reported on Tuesday morning.
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The state recorded 445 new local cases and no cases acquired overseas, with 129 of the local cases linked to known cases and outbreaks.
There were 36,615 vaccines administered and 42,694 test results received.
The NSW government has announced an additional $287.5 million in COVID-19 financial support that will expand emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants across all of NSW.
The test and isolate payment of $320 is available for eligible workers aged 17 and over, who have symptoms of COVID-19, to get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned.
This payment is available to NSW workers who do not have sick, carer's or pandemic leave. To apply visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-test-and-isolate-support-payment
The emergency hardship, one-off payment of $400 administered by the Red Cross has been expanded to temporary visa/no visa holders in NSW who are facing severe financial hardship and are not eligible for other government income. To apply visit: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/help-for-migrants-in-transition/help-for-migrants-in-transition/nsw-relief
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funds would assist workers and vulnerable people under financial strain due to the COVID-19 restrictions across the state.
"The expansion and extension of the emergency hardship payment will provide assistance to people across all of NSW who are under severe financial strain but are not eligible for other support payments and grants," he said.
Community supports grants have been expanded across NSW to help organisations deliver emergency food relief, promote vaccination and testing services, and provide culturally appropriate support and care to diverse communities.
MORE COVID NEWS:
Treasure Tim Pallas, speaking in Monday's daily briefing, said the younger, more mobile nature of the building workforce meant going beyond the requirements for normal COVID compliance.
"To support the construction industry, we'll release 20,000 priority Pfizer appointments over the next week and unlimited access to AstraZeneca to all construction workers," he said.
Mr Pallas said about 50 teams would be out and about each day inspecting construction sites and penalty notices and prohibition orders would be issued if required.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Digital incoming passenger cards, which include vaccination status, will be rolled out to airports around the country by the end of the year, paving the way for a border reopening.
The federal government announced on Monday it had issued a contract to international IT company Accenture to deliver the latest iteration of the digital passenger declaration.
It will replace the paper-based form and COVID-19 declaration web form and will be available for passengers coming to Australia up to 72 hours before boarding their flight.
A Melbourne school at the centre of a COVID-19 outbreak will be questioned amid claims it was operating at full capacity despite tough lockdown restrictions.
Meanwhile after some confusion on Monday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian denied the unvaccinated would have their freedoms restored at 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage in NSW, saying policy was still being finalised.
- with JANINE GRAHAM
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