NSW has seen its lowest daily increase in COVID-19 cases since mid-August, but numbers remain high in the Illawarra.
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Of the 623 new cases of community transmission recorded in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday, 77 were in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
This includes 54 in the Wollongong local government area, 13 in Shellharbour, nine in Shoalhaven, and one in Kiama.
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Contact tracers are yet to establish links to known cases for 56 of these new infections.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD had the third-highest number of new cases in the state, behind the South Western Sydney and Western Sydney districts.
In Wollongong, residents of the 2500 account for the largest proportion of newly identified COVID infections, while Shellharbour's new cases are mostly in the 2528 postcode.
There have now been 1741 locally acquired COVID cases among residents of the district since the outbreak began in mid-June, with 778 still active in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama areas.
There are 959 COVID patients in hospital, including 41 in Wollongong Hospital.
There are 193 people in intensive care and 97 of these patients need ventilation.
Another six people with COVID have died, bringing the number of deaths during this outbreak to 378.
Federal health data shows Kiama has already hit the 70 per cent fully vaccinated rate, with 72 per cent of people aged 15 and over having received two doses.
Over 93 per cent have had at least one dose.
In Wollongong 86.2 per cent of people have had at least one dose and 63.3 per cent have had two, while Shellharbour is sitting at 92.1 per cent and 63.7 per cent, respectively.
It is now just a week until restrictions begin easing in the Illawarra and other areas in lockdown.
From next Monday, October 11, people fully vaccinated against COVID and those with medical exemptions will be allowed to partake in more activities that, for residents of Wollongong and Shellharbour, have been off-limits for more than three months.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
