The majority were recorded in the Wollongong local government area with six residents testing positive to the virus in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Five of these cases are linked to known cases in the community and the source of the remaining case is under investigation.

One case was recorded in Shellharbour overnight, and the other in Kiama. Investigations to the source of infection for both of these cases are ongoing.

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Meantime, the state's case numbers have increased, as NSW recorded 179 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm.

The state's population aged 16 years and over is now 92.4 per cent fully vaccinated, while 94.5 per cent have had their first COVID-19 vaccine shot.

Those aged between 12 and 15 years are 76.5 per cent fully vaccinated, while 81.2 per cent have had their first dose.

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The ISLHD is encouraging the community to continue to come forward for the COVID vaccine, as well as booster shots.

The local health district's vaccination clinics, local general practitioners and pharmacies are now offering a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people aged 18 years and older, six months after their second dose.

NSW Health will continue to contact people diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts, and all people who need to follow specific health advice.

Residents are also alerted of exposure sites through the NSW Service app.

For a list of COVID-19 testing sites across the Illawarra Shoalhaven, visit the local health district's website.

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