COVID numbers climb: Shorter timeframe for AZ dose

THE numbers of COVID-19 reached an additional 77 cases overnight, with 33 having been active in the local community and the Premier said they are expecting another 100 new cases announced tomorrow.

One woman in her 90s, who was unvaccinated, has died and of the 52 people hospitalised, 15 are in intensive care and 5 are being ventilated.

The 15 patients in intensive care include:

• a teenager;
• 1 in their 20s;
• 1 in their 30s;
• 1 in their 40s;
• 3 in their 50s;
• 5 in their 60s;
• 2 in their 70s and
• 1 in their 80s.

Dr Kerry Chant, chief health officer, said the rapid spread of the delta strain has prompted the government to shorten the standard 12 week period between the two doses of Astra Zeneca vaccine, to 6 weeks.

“We know that for immunity for the delta variant you need the two doses, so by calling people to get their second dose we may be sacrificing a bit of long term protection, but what we’re doing is making sure you’re protected earlier and at this time that is the strategy that we would suggested,” said Dr Chant.

“So please ring your GP if you’ve got a booking in the future for Astra Zeneca and ask them whether it can be brought forward,” she said.

“We particularly want to focus on the elderly; we know the vaccines are very effective at preventing illness and death and we know the elderly are most vulnerable, so please make that appointment,” Dr Kerry Chant said.

At this time that is the strategy we are a recommendation that people who have had their first Astra Zeneca vaccine to have their second dose at six weeks, instead of the standard 12 weeks to  

The Premier has praised the people of Greater Sydney for adhering to the lock down restrictions, but cautioned only a few cases of people infectious in the community, not complying places the whole community at risk.

Police have issued 106 infringements in the last 24 hours and had 1,200 complaints to CrimeStoppers to investigate.

The Victorian government has warned their residents, if they are in New South Wales, to “come home” as they consider making all of NSW a red zone.