NSW has reported 580 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 as the state closes in on another vaccination milestone.
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As of Thursday evening, 89.8 per cent of people 16 and over had received their first vaccine dose.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has congratulated the state on continuing its high vaccination rates.
"We know vaccination is key to our freedom and high vaccination rates here in NSW have not just led the nation but led the world," he said on Saturday.
"As we open up on Monday we need to open up in a safe way."
"This journey is not over. There is a long way to go and we need to continue that focus."
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said vaccine availability had improved markedly in the last few weeks.
"It's important that if you have a delayed vaccination appointment, please try to reschedule it earlier or look for other options," she said.
Dr Chant confirmed authorities were still investigating the source of the new Delta strain identified on Friday with different genomic sequencing.
"We've linked that back to a person who returned overseas but the exact mechanism of how that new Delt strain emerged and got into the community in western Sydney is still under investigation," she said.
But there was no indication the new strain presents any differences regarding transmission, vaccine effectiveness or severity.
The state on Wednesday achieved 70 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage of those aged over 16, clearing the way for restrictions to ease as planned on Monday.
Mr Perrottet on Friday said NSW was proudly leading the country when it comes to vaccination and a return to COVID-normal.
"We can really be, in our state, in a situation where we have the highest vaccination rate in the world," he told 2GB.
From Monday, a swathe of restrictions will lift for fully vaccinated people across the state.
Ten adult visitors will be allowed in homes, 30 people will be permitted to gather outdoors, and 100 guests can congregate at weddings and funerals.
Shops and hospitality venues can reopen and the five-kilometre from home travel limit will be scrapped.
But with NSW the first Australian state to reach 70 per cent vaccination, NSW is also going to be the first to meet some challenges, the premier said.
The United Workers' Union, which represents many frontline and public-facing workers, is concerned members checking vaccination status could be put in unsafe situations.
Adding to their worry is that the integrated Service NSW vaccine certificate or passport app is not yet ready.
Meanwhile, the Australian Medical Association said changes to the state's plan to emerge from lockdown could overwhelm the hospital system and burn out healthcare workers.
The new premier said he knew easing restrictions was "going to be difficult" but asked for patience as "we learn as we go ahead".
There were 646 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and 11 more deaths, reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday.
Australian Associated Press