Of the new cases, 17 were from Wollongong (eight linked to known cases), with five cases in the 2518 postcode, three each in 2506, 2526 and 2500, two in 2530, and one in 2502.

Shellharbour recorded three cases, none of them linked to a known case, with one case each in 2527, 2528 and 2529.

Read more: NSW on track to reach 80% vaccination milestone by Sunday

The Shoalhaven reported three new cases, while there were no new cases from the Kiama LGA

There have now been 2162 local cases of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD since the start of the current outbreak in June.

As at 8pm Tuesday, there were 31 COVID-19 patients being treated in the region's hospitals.

The local health district urged the community to remain vigilant for symptoms, with high rates of testing critical to preventing the further spread of the virus.

Across the state, 444 new locally-acquired cases of COVID and four deaths were recorded.

Two new cases were acquired in hotel quarantine.

716 people are in hospital, 150 people in ICU.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has flagged more freedoms for the state next week.

NSW is rapidly approaching its next vaccination milestone, just three days into the reopening triggered on Monday after 70 per cent of eligible residents got both jabs.

Some 75.23 per cent of residents over 16 are fully vaccinated and 90.77 per cent have had at least one dose.

NSW could reach the 80 per cent fully vaccinated milestone by Sunday, setting the stage for the next phase in the state's reopening next week.

"The success of our vaccination rate has been absolutely superb ... When we hit 80 per cent, we've always said it will be the Monday following," Mr Perrottet said. - with AAP

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