NSW recorded 308 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 94,661 tests. Sadly, four deaths were recorded in that same time period. Our thoughts are with their loved ones. To 11:59pm on Tuesday 2 November 2021 across NSW, 93.7 per cent of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 88.7 per cent were fully vaccinated. NSW has also reached a notable milestone in its fight against COVID-19, with more than 20 million tests conducted since the beginning of the pandemic. More information on today’s statistics here.

In response to the faster than expected rate of vaccination, the NSW Government will further ease rules for those who are fully vaccinated by bringing forward many of the roadmap changes scheduled for 1 December to next Monday (8 November). Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until NSW reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first. Read about the changes here.

The Chief Magistrate has published Memo 24, which replaces all other previous COVID-19 memorandum and will apply up until and including 24 January 2022. This direction applies to all Local Court sittings in NSW. The Memo includes information on COVID safety measures, masks and attendance of support persons.

The District Court has released Practice Note 24 concerning applications for leave for in person appearances in trials and sentence hearings under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. With the easing of restrictions and increased vaccination rates, applications may be made for leave to be granted for in person appearances in trials or sentence hearings of prosecutions. All other matters will continue to be heard by use of the virtual courtroom. This Practice Note will be reviewed in mid-November 2021 or as otherwise may be necessary.

The Supreme Court will ease a number of restrictions from next Monday, 8 November. These include changes in relation to density, the number of hearings allowed on each floor, motions, and media attendance at court. Read the changes here.