NSW parents will get $500 vouchers to help with the cost of out-of-school care for primary children, as the number of COVID-19 deaths fall.
There were 27 deaths and 13,026 new positive COVID-19 tests reported in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday - down from the record 52 the previous day, as students return to class this week.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says the $155 million voucher package is about putting NSW parents first.
"We know that for parents, this pandemic has been incredibly tough, balancing homeschooling with work, we want to do whatever we can to improve the daily juggle," he told reporters on Monday.
"This $500 voucher will put a downward pressure on family budgets."
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the money would be available through Service NSW, from February 28, with parents able to access the vouchers via the same app used to distribute the Dine and Discover vouchers rolled out last year.
"Making before and after school care more affordable for families is really important," she said.
"I know it will be welcomed by a lot of working parents across NSW."
Treasurer Matt Kean reiterated his plea for the federal government to provide further COVID-19 assistance for businesses impacted by the Omicron wave over summer.
He has written to his federal counterpart Josh Frydenberg about the "huge burden" of Omicron on the state over summer.
"The NSW government is doing its bit and will continue to call on the Commonwealth to stand by small businesses," he said.
There were 13,026 positive COVID-19 tests reported on Monday, down slightly from the 13,524 in the previous day.
There are 2779 COVID patients in hospital, 185 of whom are in intensive care, NSW Health said.
Nearly 40 per cent of adults have received a booster shot, which Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant emphasised was vital to protect against the Omicron strain.
"Two doses against the Omicron variant are not sufficient," she said.
"I can't be clearer, please get the booster dose and get it as soon as possible."
Across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people over 16 have now received one vaccine dose, and 94 per cent have had two doses.
As the school year starts, the NSW government says eight million rapid antigen tests have been distributed to schools in preparation for classes.
Strict protocols have been implemented to prevent COVID-19 spread including improved ventilation, vaccinations, mask wearing, twice weekly RATS, as well as the segregation of year groups, it says.
The new voucher scheme comes a day after the government announced a $1 billion support package for businesses hit by the Omicron outbreak.
It includes a payment of up to $5000 per week, or 20 per cent of payroll, for businesses with a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million who suffered a 40 per cent downturn in January, and project to do the same in February.
The government has also extended the Small Business Fees and Charges rebate program to $3000, which can include 50 per cent of the costs incurred to get rapid antigen tests for the workplace.
Relief for commercial landlords has also been extended until March 13.
