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NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant remains concerned about the surge of cases in the regions.
"We are seeing an increase in cases in our regional areas and, again, we urge everyone in regional areas to take the opportunity to get vaccinated as quickly as possible but also to please keep presenting if you have any symptoms of COVID," she said on Thursday.
Of the 941 new locally acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, there were 82 in the Illawarra and 82 in the Hunter.
There are currently 1,090 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 213 people in intensive care, 105 of whom require ventilation.
NSW reports another 941 local COVID-19 cases and six deaths
Of the new deaths announced, three people were in their 70s, two people were in their 80s and one person was in their 90s.
Four people were not vaccinated and two people had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
NSW Health said on Thursday the lockdowns would be extended until 11 October in numerous regional LGAs.
The extension applies to: Bathurst Regional, Bourke, City of Broken Hill, Central Coast, City of Cessnock, Dubbo Regional, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Kiama, City of Lake Macquarie, City of Lithgow, City of Maitland, City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, City of Shellharbour, City of Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee.
Stay-at-home orders will be lifted on Friday for Mid-Western Regional, Hilltops and Walgett LGAs.
In the Central Darling Shire Council, stay-at-home orders will be lifted on Friday, with the exceptions of Wilcannia and Menindee.
Orders will be extended in Menindee for a further seven days and in Wilcannia until 11 October.
Students to return to school early
It comes as Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed students will return to school one week ahead of schedule.
The earlier return was decided after NSW exceeded vaccination double dose expectations, and as the state is set to reach 70 per cent full coverage ahead of schedule.
It has already completed 86.7 per cent of first doses among residents aged 16 and over, with 62.9 per cent now fully vaccinated.
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The staged opening of schools was to begin on 25 October starting with Year 12, kindergarten and Year 1 but it will now start on 18 October for this group.
All other students will be integrated back onto school grounds over the following two weeks, on 25 October and 1 November.
Support for NSW businesses
Meanwhile, the state's treasurer has announced businesses will still be able to receive financial support from the government after Commonwealth funds are wound back.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet says businesses across NSW can continue to access payments until 30 November, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
The federal government has flagged COVID-19 financial support measures for businesses will be phased out by the time a state reaches 80 per cent double vaccination coverage - expected to be October - as will COVID-19 disaster payments for people who have lost work.
Mr Perrottet said the support from the NSW government would cost about $500 million.
"Whilst this has cost the budget substantially during this period ... we always said from the outset that success for NSW won't be the budget position, but keeping as many people in work and as many businesses in business during this difficult time," he said.
With additional reporting by Caroline Riches
NSW reports another 941 local COVID-19 cases and six deaths - SBS News
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