Two deaths recorded in ISLHD, Shoalhaven COVID-19 case tally remains in 200s

NSW Health confirmed two Shellharbour males had sadly passed in Thursday's reporting period, one in his 40s with "significant underlying health conditions" and the other in his 90s.

Both men were vaccinated against COVID-19.

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There were 1322 new COVID-19 cases identified in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, made up of 565 positive PCR tests and 757 positive rapid antigen tests.

Of these numbers, 248 new cases were identified in the Shoalhaven, down from 283 recorded in Wednesday's update.

Wollongong saw 700 new cases, Shellharbour saw 305, and Kiama, 69.

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Also among the reported COVID deaths was a two-month-old baby with no underlying health conditions.

The death was first publicly reported in January, and was referred to the Coroner, who has determined the infant died due to COVID-19 infection.

NSW Health offered "its heartfelt condolences to the family and asks that their privacy be respected during this most difficult time".

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Statewide, NSW recorded 24,803 new cases of the virus and eight deaths.

This is up from yesterday's numbers of 24,115 new infections and five lives lost.

There are 1180 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 43 in ICU.

Hospitalisation numbers are up on yesterday, when 1162 patients were being cared for, however ICU numbers are down by one, with 44 in care yesterday.

Of the new cases, 14,761 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 10,042 came from PCR testing.

The state's population aged 16 years and over is 94.5 per cent double vaccinated, while 96 per cent have had their first COVID-19 vaccine shot.

58.8 per cent of the state's population have had their third dose of vaccine.

As for the Shoalhaven, more than 65 per cent of the eligible population has received a third dose.

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