A day after reporting the 100th death linked to the state's spiralling COVID-19 outbreak, NSW is expected to reach a happier milestone - 70 per cent first dose COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
The number of people in NSW who've received at least one jab on average has grown by more than one per cent each day over the past seven, meaning the dose that tips the state over 70 per cent coverage was likely administered on Wednesday.
The milestone all but ensures NSW will reach 70 per cent full vaccination within a number of weeks, triggering the state's gradual release from lockdown.
Victoria is further tightening its border with NSW, with Premier Daniel Andrews indicating it could remain closed until the end of the year.
As COVID-19 cases rise across both sides of the Murray River, six Victorian and two NSW local government areas will be tossed out of the state's border bubble from 11.59pm on Thursday.
It comes as the Victorian government conceded efforts to bring coronavirus cases down to zero have failed, with tough restrictions to remain in place until October.
Meanwhile epidemiologist Tony Blakely said with Victoria's case numbers rising at a rate of around five per cent a day, it would likely peak at 2000 cases a day in October.
NSW case numbers are heading in a similar direction.
"Elimination of COVID is over," Professor Blakely told the ABC. "Yes, we now are living with the virus - I think people would have seen that coming for a week or so."
The AFL will appeal the three-match ban handed to GWS star Toby Greene for intentional umpire contact, believing the sanction to be "manifestly inadequate".
AFL lawyer Jeff Gleeson QC called for a minimum six-match ban.
The appeal hearing has been deferred to the end of the 2021 finals series at the Giants' request, with Greene already sidelined for the rest of the season.
Overseas, plans in the UK to introduce vaccine passports for nightclubs from the end of this month have been met with disappointment by industry figures who fear they could lead to a spike in house parties and embroil clubs in discrimination cases.
And just when you thought it was over ...
Britney Spears' father should step down immediately and without conditions from his role as conservator of her estate, the singer's lawyer says in court documents.
Jamie Spears is accused of trying to link his departure from his 13-year-long role with payment of some $US2 million ($A2.7 million) in fees to his lawyers and for experts handling the media.
Janine Graham
Onetime sports reporter, chief-of-staff, editor and national digital news editor. Email me: janine.graham@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Onetime sports reporter, chief-of-staff, editor and national digital news editor. Email me: janine.graham@austcommunitymedia.com.au
