NSW recorded 1,029 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 151,272 tests. Sadly, three deaths were recorded in that same time period. Our thoughts are with their loved ones. 61 cases were infectious in the community and the isolation status of 844 cases remains under investigation. NSW Health has reported that 51,232 vaccines were administered in the same time period. More information on today’s statistics here.

The NSW Government has today announced that some restrictions will be eased next month for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. People across NSW who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed more freedoms after NSW hit the target of six million shots this week. From 12.01am, Monday, 13 September:

• For those who live outside the LGAs of concern, outdoor gatherings of up to five people (including children) will be allowed in a person’s LGA or within 5km of home.
• For those who live in the LGAs of concern, and who are vaccinated, households with all adults vaccinated will be able to gather outdoors (including picnics) within the existing rules (for one hour only, outside curfew hours and within 5km of home).

Details of the Government’s announcement are here.

Due to ongoing concerns about community transmission, stay-at-home orders in place for regional NSW will be extended by two weeks, until at least 11:59pm on 10 September, in line with existing orders for the Greater Sydney area. More here.

Given the extension of the lockdown for regional NSW, the Chief Magistrate’s Memo has been amended to reflect the extension of Regional New South Wales Lockdown until 10 September 2021 and Greater Sydney until 1 October 2021. Please note amendments have also been made to allow the Court to hear limited defended hearings proceedings (particularly those where the defendant is in custody).

Due to the continuation of the lockdown in Regional New South Wales, there will be no new jury trials or personal appearances in Regional District Court’s until after 10 September 2021. Practitioners should continue to contact the relevant registry for AVL appearance details and listing confirmation.

The Chief Judge has finalised District Court Criminal Practice Note 22. It applies to vacated trials due to COVID-19. Due to the large number of criminal trials being vacated, it is essential when jury trials resume that they proceed as efficiently as possible. Accordingly, when a trial is to be vacated, the trial will not be allocated a new hearing date until all pre-trial issues are argued and determined. The date allocated for the trial will be utilised for the hearing of pre-trial argument with a commencement date of 30 August 2021. Read the note here.