NSW sets another record with 830 COVID-19 cases; vaccine rate 'fastest in world': Brad Hazzard

On Saturday, NSW recorded 825 new cases and three deaths in Sydney hospitals.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said more than 58 per cent of the state's residents have had their first vaccine shot.

"I'm pleased, I am pleased, very pleased, but a vaccination rate in NSW is now quite extraordinary. I thank the residents of NSW are coming out in such great numbers to be vaccinated," he said.

"I am advised that in fact, NSW is now amongst the highest, if not the highest, in the world in terms of vaccination rates and that only happens when the citizens of NSW come forward to try and keep themselves, their families and the balance of our community in NSW safe."

Mr Hazzard said NSW was seeing vaccination rates that were thought impossible just a few weeks ago and once the state reaches 80 per cent vaccination "we will have a lot more normality in our lives".

"We are only weeks away now so if our community keeps getting their vaccines the way they are, NSW will look pretty good by October, November," he said.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District saw its first potential case linked to the Delta variant outbreak after A female resident of Lachlan Shire visited locations in Lake Cargelligo and Hillston while infectious on Monday, August 16.

Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale said there had been 36 new cases recorded in regional NSW.

"The majority continue to be in the area of Dubbo and surrounds...overnight we have had an additional four cases making a total of six in Orange at the current time. For all residents of Orange, come forward to get tested," she said.

"In far West, we had two cases till 8pm last night. One in Wilcannia and one in Broken Hill. And for the residents of far West, please come forward for testing. We remain concerned about the risk for anyone who has spent time in Wilcannia so please come for testing."

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys was asked about the new rule on due to come into effect on Monday, which will require masks to be worn at all times outdoors unless exercising, and whether recreational walking or walking to shops would be considered exercise.

"In terms of exercising, people do not have to wear a mask but where you are exercising in a place where there are crowds of people or where you think you will end up in a situation where people will be close by, it is just common sense that you would put that mask on," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

"You have to carry it so if you feel that people are too close, why not put that mask on?"

"So when I go to the shop, when I go to purchase a cup of coffee, when I get out of the car, I put my mask on, do my business and get back in the car. In terms of exercising to get a cup of coffee or to get something from the shop, there must be a point in time where you stop exercising and you actually move among people or towards the shop and I would suggest you put a mask on.

"I don't really think it is that hard and I certainly don't think it is confusing."

Mr Hazzard said the government was focussing on how to hold HSC exams in a safe manner.

"I stress that there are continuing discussions between education and NSW Health as to how we might be able to ensure there are public exams for the Higher School Certificate in a way that keeps staff safe and examination supervisors safe and keeps are very important young people safe that that is an ongoing discussion," Mr Hazzard said.

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