Speaking on Sunday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said that up to 8pm Saturday night, there were 981 people with the virus in hospital and of those, 195 were in ICU.

Of that nearly 200, 140 are not vaccinated, 41 have received the first dose and 14 are full vaccinated.

There were 14 COVID patients in hospital across the Western NSW LHD.

Mr Hazzard said the state is on track to reach the 70 per cent double-dose rate this week, which would mean the state would come out of lockdown on October 11.

"We are closing-in on the 70 per cent double dose mark and when we achieve it there will be significant changes to our public health advice and the key difference will be how that advice is applied to people who are vaccinated and to those who are not," he said.

"Vaccination will provide greater freedoms as our society opens up and it reduces the risk of you spreading the virus to someone vulnerable, which could cost them their life."

Some of the differences for those with and without a vaccine shot are in regards to how long a person would have to isolate for, should they be a close contact.

If you are a close contact of a positive case and vaccinated, you must get tested and self-isolate for seven days. Six days after exposure, you must get tested again.

If a negative result is received and you are well, you can end isolation after day seven. For the following seven days you must work from home where practicable, not attend hospitality settings, and not attend a high-risk setting even if it is your place of work.

If you are a close contact of a positive case and not vaccinated you must get tested and immediately self-isolate for 14 days. On day 12, you should get tested again. If a negative result is received, you can end isolation after day 14.

Whether you are vaccinated or not vaccinated, if you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for 14 days. The QR code check-in system will remain in place in the general community.

Businesses will also be responsible for taking "reasonable measures" to stop unvaccinated people entering premises.

An example given of this would be having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination.

Penalties may apply for individuals and businesses who don't comply. On the spot fines of $1000 may apply to individuals for not complying, or for using fraudulent evidence of vaccination or check-in.

On the spot fines of $5000 may apply to businesses for not complying with the Public Health Order vaccination requirements. Further penalties may apply for significant breaches.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it is important to note that the new advice may be updated by NSW Health as case numbers and evidence changes.

"We will continue to do what we have done throughout this pandemic, which is to regularly update our advice, informed by experience, feedback, and emerging evidence. It is only in partnership that we can reopen in a safe way."

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