Bathurst COVID-19 case confirmed: Regional NSW lockdown extended as 681 cases recorded

NSW recorded 681 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, 87 of which were infectious while in the community. The isolation status of 459 cases remain under investigation.

A man in his 80s who had received a dose of a vaccine died in a St George hospital. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the man had underlying health issues.

Ms Berejiklian declared the 110,000 vaccinations on Wednesday a "phenomenal result", meaning 53 per cent of NSW residents had received at least one jab. In the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, 119,000 tests were undertaken.

There were 25 new cases recorded across the Western NSW Local Health District. The total number of cases in the region is now up to a total 167.

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NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed the Bathurst case, along with those in Dubbo, Mudgee, Brewarrina and Wilcannia from Wednesday's numbers.

"It is right we stay in front of the curve, in front of the spread and keep regional and rural NSW in lockdown. Get out and get tested," Mr Barilaro said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledged there were vast areas of regional NSW without cases but said they were taking a precautionary stance.

"Given the outbreak in western NSW and a few cases elsewhere in the region, the lockdown in regional NSW will continue," she said.

READ MORE: NSW's new COVID rules around travel explained

Ms Berejiklian said every state will have to learn to live with Delta.

She said NSW can lead the way in making sure people stay out of hospital while citizens live as freely as possible through high rates of vaccination.

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