NSW records 236 new Covid-19 cases as reopening of international travel looms

NSW has recorded 236 new Covid-19 cases and three deaths, with just days to go before international travel resumes for the state’s residents.

From Monday, fully vaccinated Australians returning from overseas will not need to quarantine, and those wanting to head overseas will not need an exemption to do so.

Meanwhile in Victoria there were 1355 new cases as the state’s vaccination rate inches toward the 80 per cent double-jab milestone.

It comes as Melbourne’s retailers reopened on Friday evening amid a relaxation of restrictions, and Flemington Racecourse gears up to host 10,000 punters at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

As of Saturday, 93.5 per cent of eligible NSW residents have had one dose of a COVID-vaccine, while 87 per cent are fully vaccinated.

There are 343 people currently in hospital, of which 81 are in intensive care.

In Victoria, 91.46 of eligible Victorians have had one dose of their COVID vaccine, while 78.75 per cent are fully vaccinated.

There are 747 people in hospital, 135 of which are in intensive care. Authorities say 83 people currently require ventilation.

In Sydney, a trendy Bondi pub has emerged as the source of a new cluster, to which 10 cases have so far been linked.

NSW Health are urging anyone who visited the Tea Garden Hotel on October 23 from 7.30pm to closing time to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Further information will be released later on Saturday.

More to come.