NSW recorded 261 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 77,009 tests. Sadly, one death was recorded in that same time period. Our thoughts are with the deceased’s loved ones. In the same reporting period, 94 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 90.4 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had two doses. More information on today’s statistics here.

Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW, Justice Price, has advised that from next Monday, 15 November 2021, the District Court will operate under the 1.5m spacing and 2 square metre rule principles, which includes jury trials. In addition Practice Note 25, commencing 15 November 2021, provides for applications for leave for in person appearances in sentence proceedings listed on or after 15 November 2021. Read the Note here.

Service NSW and NSW Police will establish Strike Force Sainsbery to investigate fraudulent applications for COVID-19 business support payments. Service NSW CEO Damon Rees said Strike Force Sainsbery would identify individuals who had fraudulently sought payments intended to support businesses and residents through the COVID-19 restrictions. Read the details here.

Fully vaccinated people have been significantly less likely to become seriously ill or die, and better protected from acquiring COVID-19, during the Delta outbreak in NSW. Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant this week highlighted the findings in the latest NSW Health In Focus report, which shows hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths were all far lower among the fully vaccinated population during the outbreak’s peak. Dr Chant said the report also makes it clear fully vaccinated people were significantly less likely to become infected with COVID-19.

The Australian Government’s COVID-19 booster vaccination rollout program is officially underway, with the initial focus on residential aged care and disability facilities. Everyone living in Australia aged 18 and over who has completed their primary two-dose course of vaccination at least six months ago is now eligible to have an additional booster shot. The booster rollout program will initially target population groups that were prioritised for early vaccination because the great majority of people within these cohorts are now ready for their booster vaccination, having had their second dose six or more months ago. Read more here.