NSW COVID-19 statistics
NSW recorded 818 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 311,083 tests. Sadly, three deaths were recorded in that same time period. 42 cases were infectious in the community and the isolation status of 714 cases remains under investigation. In the same time period 42,147 vaccinations were administered.

New lockdown rules and restrictions now in force
The NSW Government has extended the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduced new rules targeting the local government areas of concern. From today, masks wearing is mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising. This rule also applies in regional NSW until 28 August. Special powers have also been granted to NSW Police to enforce the new restrictions. There are also new requirements for authorised workers coming from LGAs of concern to work outside of that area; including that they are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August. Anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW. Read the full list of new rules and requirements here.

NSW Local Court recommencement of defended hearings
His Honour Judge Henson, Chief Magistrate asks Greater Sydney courts that all defended hearings where the person is in custody that had been or will be vacated between 28 June 2021 and 3 September 2021, are to be listed in the week of the 6 September 2021 for mention. This list should be with a view to determining if the matters can proceed. In addition similar matters already listed for hearing between 30 August 2021 to 1 October 2021 should remain listed and assessment made about the possibility of hearing those proceedings. To optimise the success of the call-over in resolving proceedings or reducing the matter in issue, police are attempting to arrange prosecutors with the necessary approvals to negotiate. In addition given the current limitations within corrective services in access to clients or parties communications the court should consider short adjournments to facilitate these communications. If the matters cannot be listed for hearing it may allow the parties an opportunity to make a release application at this time.

Local Court update
The latest Memo by the Chief Magistrate regarding the operations of the Local Court during lockdown can be viewed here. Memo 20 will continue to apply  to all Local Courts in NSW until the end of this week.

District Court update
Due to the continuation of the Greater Sydney Area lockdown, there will be no new jury trials or personal appearances in the District Court until 30 September 2021 at:
The Downing Centre, John Maddison Tower, Campbelltown, Katoomba, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollongong. In regional courts, which now includes Gosford District Court, there will be no new jury trials or personal appearances until 28 August 2021. Practitioners should continue to contact the relevant registry for AVL appearance details and listing confirmation.

Law Society court updates
With the Greater Sydney lockdown extended until the end of September, don't forget that you can quickly access all the latest updates from the state's courts and tribunals via the Law Society's COVID-19 Portal here, in addition to information in Monday Briefs and the weekly COVID-19 update.

Notice inviting claims against Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund
The Council of The Law Society of New South Wales invites any person who has suffered pecuniary loss because of default by the law practice Slattery Thompson arising from the conduct of an associate of that law practice, Harry Chand (also known as Harry Moon and Harry Manik) to make a claim against the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund. Read more. 

Apply now: Legal Advisory Service Panel Member 
The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) is seeking legal practitioners to join the Legal Advisory Service (LAS) as a Panel Member. Learn more and apply here.