NSW has reported another record day of COVID cases with 681 people diagnosed with the virus and another death. A man in his 80s who had received a dose of a vaccine died in a St George hospital. Ms Berejiklian said the man had underlying health issues. Meanwhile NSW's regional areas have had lockdown extended until August 28, at least. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the entire state would now be in lockdown for at least another nine days. "Given the outbreak in western New South Wales and a few cases elsewhere throughout the regions, the lockdown in a regional NSW will align with the rest of NSW until at least August 28," Ms Berejiklian said. "Regional New South Wales will also remain in lockdown as a precaution for this time, there are vast areas of regional NSW where there are not any cases, but everybody would appreciate and expect us to take a precautionary response." 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 NEWS: Newcastle was the only Hunter local government area to add fresh cases in Thursday's announcement, with all five of Hunter New England's fresh cases within the city. Hunter New England Health said two were infectious in the community, two are linked to the aged care clusters and all five are linked. Deputy premier John Barilaro said the numbers, like 25 new cases in western NSW, dictated the need for lockdown in the region's to roll on. He also flagged additional cases in the Hunter since the 8pm cut-off for Thursday's figures. "Since the 8pm reporting period overnight we know that we've got more cases in western NSW, southern NSW ... and Hunter New England," he said. "My message to everybody continues to be to make sure we stay vigilant."
