Covid update: Schools returning sooner

THE Premier has said schools will be going back a week early due to the state reaching 70 percent double vaccination before anticipated.

The back to school plan will still be staggered, but all students can look forward to resuming face to face learning a week earlier.

The government is also reconsidering how schools will be managed as covid cases are identified, with all teachers vaccinated and the vaccination rates of 12 to 15 year olds increasing, which provides more protection. 

scone.com.au is making enquiries for when and how local schools will be returning.

The Premier foreshadowed some easing of restrictions will be brought forward from December 1 to the 80 percent double vaccination mark, specifically the four square metre rule. The government will announce those changes in the coming weeks. 

Stay at home orders have been extended until October 11 for some local government areas including: Central Coast, City of Cessnock, Dubbo Regional, City of Maitland, City of Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Traces of the virus have been detected in the Gunnedah sewerage system and continues to be detected in Muswellbrook, Singleton, Dungog and Cessnock. Aberdeen sewerage does not have covid monitoring. 

Statewide covid numbers:

• 942 new cases identified
• 1090 people are hospitalised
• 213 people are in intensive care
• 105 people are being ventilated
• 6 people have died:
  • 3 people in their 70s
  • 2 people in their 80s
  • 1 person in their 90s

Covid numbers in regional Local Health Districts:

• 82 are from Hunter New England
• 82 are from Illawarra Shoalhaven
• 63 are from Sydney
• 45 are from Nepean Blue Mountains
• 43 are from Western NSW
• 42 are from Northern Sydney 
• 36 are from Central Coast
• 26 are from Southern NSW
• 3 are from Far West
• 3 are from Northern NSW
• 2 are from Mid North Coast 
• 1 is from Murrumbidgee
• 12 are yet to be assigned to an LHD

Cases in Hunter New England Health District include: