THERE were no new cases of COVID-19 in the New England North West on Monday, but the state has been warned not to let its guard down.
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As the region emerged from lockdown on the weekend, fragments of the virus were detected in Tamworth sewage for the sixth time in a row, despite no known cases.
Across the Western NSW Local Health District, 12 new cases of COVID-19 were reported to 8pm last night.
The Hunter has added 18 cases as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian implored the state to remain vigilant as restrictions begin to ease for some.
Ms Berejiklian called out the Hunter specifically for its increase in cases, with another 16 added on the Central Coast to deepen concerns.
Single cases were also added in Elermore Vale, Hamilton South, Balcolyn, Blackalls Park, Boolaroo, Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, Soliders Point, Maitland, Tenambit, Mayfield, Greta and Weston.
"Due to the high percentage of infectious people in the community and the geographical spread, our public health advice is that there is no longer a public health benefit to break these down for each individual case and suburb," Hunter New England Health said in a statement.
The premier said southwestern Sydney remained the main areas of concern as she revealed the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday delivered 1257 cases and seven deaths.
"In regional NSW we have seen a stabilisation in cases however in Hunter, the Central Coast and Wollongong we have seen an increase in cases," she said.
"I want to leave a really key message today - do not let your guard down."
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The deaths included a man in his 90s from Dubbo, a man in his 80s from Sydney's inner city, a woman in her 60s from southwestern Sydney, a man in his 80s at Nepean Hospital, a man in his 90s from southwetern Sydney, a woman in her 90s from Sydney's inner west and a man in his 80s from southwestern Sydney.
Ms Berejiklian said those who chose to forego vaccination should not expect the same freedoms as those who received the jab, despite comments from NSW Premier John Barilaro on Monday indicating that wider freedoms could be available within weeks.
46.2 per cent of NSW residents aged 16 or over have received two doses, with 78.5 per cent inoculated with a first dose.
Ms Berejiklian's appearance at the Monday press conference came on the first day she said that her presence would no longer be a daily fixture.
The ongoing lockdown has divided Karuah, where a local government border means some residents left lockdown on Saturday while many remain under tight restrictions.
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