NSW has reported 864 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths, taking the toll for the state's current outbreak beyond 350.
Most of NSW is locked down and police are cracking down on compliance measures as authorities battle to contain the spread of the virulent Delta strain.
Of the 15 deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, three people were in their 50s, two in their 60s, two in their 70s, six in their 80s and two in their 90s.
Ten of the 15 were not fully vaccinated.
The deaths take the toll for the current NSW outbreak to 352.
There are currently 1055 COVID-19 patients in hospital in NSW, with 210 in intensive care units and 104 on ventilators.
Meanwhile, NSW businesses will still have access to financial support despite authorities confirming lockdown measures would "definitely" lift on October 11.
The welcome news for NSW business comes after the federal government confirmed it would phase out its COVID-19 financial support when a state reaches 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet reassured eligible businesses in NSW that payments would continue until November 30, provided they meet certain requirements.
Grants will continue for micro-businesses - those with a turnover of less than $75,000 - but halved to $750 a fortnight.
A slimmed-down version of the JobSaver program will also remain for businesses that have lost more than 30 per cent of their turnover.
Mr Perrottet said the support from the NSW government would cost about $500 million.
The state's peak business group said the measures would likely not be enough to save many struggling employers, while Opposition Leader Chris Minns said the funding was being wound back prematurely.
And while school classrooms opening one week early to students is welcome news for some, teachers unions have criticised what they say is a late audit of ventilation and COVID-19 safety requirements.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the audit should be finished by early next week.
