The entire Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) is on the verge of being listed as an Area of Concern as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged this morning that case numbers are too high, hinting remaining suburbs in the LGA could join the 12 listed suburbs in having harsher restrictions.
Currently only Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys are listed as ‘suburbs of concern’.
There were 882 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 reported to 8pm last night, 60 of which were in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
NSW Health also confirmed a man in his 60s, who acquired his infection as part of the Nepean Hospital outbreak, has passed away.
Dr Marianne Gale from NSW Health confirmed he had underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, Ms Berejiklian confirmed the HSC would be delayed, with exams now starting on November 9.
Face-to-face learning in NSW will return on October 25 when Kindergarten and Year 1 students return to school. Other years will return progressively after that.
“The return to school plan provides parents, teachers and students with certainty and a path forward for the return to face-to-face learning,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the last few months have been tough on the school community and we are deeply grateful to parents, teachers and students for the sacrifices you have made. Please continue to protect our students by getting vaccinated as quickly as possible.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the education and safety of our students is essential.
“The classroom is where students learn best and I thank the entire community for playing their role in this return by getting vaccinated,” Ms Mitchell said.
The State Government has also confirmed that teachers must be vaccinated by November 8.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.