Quarantine periods for fully vaccinated COVID-19 close community contacts will be shortened from 14 days to seven days when NSW begins to ease restrictions at 70 per cent double-dose jab coverage.
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NSW on Sunday reported 667 new local cases and 10 deaths, the first time daily case numbers have been below 700 since August 19.
Across the state, 88.4 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first vaccine, and 67.1 per cent are fully vaccinated.
At 70 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage, several current restrictions are set to ease. This will be triggered on October 11.
Under updated health advice issued on Sunday, vaccinated close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case must get tested and isolate for seven days. This includes household contacts, as well as close social contacts.
But they must work from home for the following week where possible and not attend hospitality or high-risk settings, even if for work.
Unvaccinated close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case must get tested and isolate for 14 days, as is current practice in NSW.
Anyone who tests positive in NSW must still isolate for 14 days and all people must still seek COVID-19 testing with respiratory symptoms.
Businesses will be responsible for taking "reasonable measures to stop unvaccinated people entering premises" such as having prominent signs, QR code requirements and only accepting valid proof of vaccination.
Hospitality, retail, gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons will be monitored by authorised officers and on-the-spot fines of $1000 will apply to individuals who do not comply or use fraudulent vaccination records.
Businesses may be fined $5000 for breaching the rules.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned people to be careful and respect restrictions while enjoying the NRL grand final on Sunday night.
"You shouldn't be having people at home," he told reporters, reiterating household gatherings prompted greater COVID-19 transmission.
Of the 10 deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, four people were not vaccinated, four had received one dose and two were fully vaccinated.
The deaths take the toll for the current outbreak to 372.
There are currently 981 COVID-19 patients in hospital in NSW, with 195 in intensive care units and 93 on ventilators. Mr Hazzard said a child aged under nine was among those in intensive care.
NSW Health later on Sunday also announced the Lismore local government area would from Monday go back into lockdown for a week after COVID-19 transmission was uncovered in the area.
NSW Health has also detected virus fragments in sewage at Kingscliff and Banora Point in far northern NSW.
Casino is in lockdown, with stay-at-home orders applicable to anyone who has visited the northern NSW town since September 24.
Mr Hazzard on Sunday also insisted the resignation of Premier Gladys Berejiklian would not change the roadmap out of lockdown. Dominic Perrottet and Rob Stokes have nominated to replace her.
"She has been absolutely critical to the team," Mr Hazzard said.
"But that doesn't mean the NSW Health team and the rest of the NSW government won't continue to do what we need to do."
Meanwhile, non-urgent day surgery will restart in NSW private health facilities on Tuesday as transmission rates continue to fall. However, non-urgent procedures at NSW public hospitals will remain postponed.
Australian Associated Press
