There were 7893 new infections in the latest 24-hour reporting period – the lowest daily total since December 28.The state recorded 10,698 new cases on Friday.Sunday’s numbers included 4337 positive results from rapid antigen tests and 3556 from PCR tests.NSW Health also said 147 Covid-19 patients remain in intensive care units, slightly down from the previous day of 152.Premier Dominic Perrottet on Saturday said it is inevitable that actual case numbers in the community were higher than was being reported, he was nonetheless pleased with the state’s progress.“I think there is a lot here in NSW right now in SNW to be optimistic about,” he said.Meanwhile school camps shut down by the Omicron outbreak will be eligible for $14 million in state government funds as they prepare to welcome back students this term.Businesses impacted by Covid safety measures in schools late last year, including overnight camps and music instructors, can apply for grants of as much as $15,000.“The grants will provide eligible businesses and not for profit organisations one-off payments equal to 40 per cent of their decline in term four 2021 turnover compared to previous years, up to $15,000,” Treasurer Matt Kean said.Adventure camps rely heavily on school groups, with most venues forced to close completely at the height of the outbreak.“Heavy financial losses and extensive loss of staff have caused significant stress on many business owners,” Australian Camps Association chief executive Rod Thomson said. “The impact on children missing out on the positive and valuable experience of school camps at a time when their health and wellbeing is of the upmost importance is also significant.”Camps have been allowed to reopen from term one this year under the state’s back to school plan.“Australian research has documented how camps and led outdoor activity programs can assist students with their social and emotional wellbeing,” Mr Thomson said.“Covid is no longer new, the sector has been working on Covid-safe plans and within government guidelines for the past two years.”Daily Telegraph – News Feed latest episodeEducation Minister Sarah Mitchell said it was important for students to return to regular activities.“For those offering camps and some music programs, their recovery is just beginning as schools return under new Covid-smart settings,” Ms Mitchell said.Blitz to lift booster uptakeA print, television and radio advertising blitz will begin from Sunday to dramatically bolster the number of NSW residents obtaining their booster shot.With less than half of NSW residents having had their third jab, the government is counting its expansion of its successful ‘Let’s Do This’ advertising campaign to boost uptake.Also targeting outdoor, digital and social media, the updated campaign will feature a 30-second television commercial to reinforce the importance of getting a Covid-19 booster to reduce the risk of severe illness and to help protect communities.Translated in 19 languages, the campaign will also include specific advertising for the Aboriginal community that will appear in the Koori Mail, on radio, social media, digital display and video.Key messages will include how a Covid-19 booster will help protect “you, your family and everyone you love”.People aged 16 years and over who had their second jab three months ago will be “strongly recommended” to get a booster to reduce Covid-19 infection “by 86 per cent’ and serious illness “by 98 per cent”.Around 40 per cent of NSW residents have obtained a booster, with people aged under 40 the slowest in uptake.Health experts say the third jab is critical in bolstering the immune system against the highly contagious Omicron variant.Health Minister Brad Hazzard, who has slammed the low booster uptake, said having had Covid-19 did not prevent from acquiring it again.“The fact that you’ve had Covid-19 doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get it again and the next time you may end up in ICU or worse,” he said.“To be fully vaccinated and have the best protection possible go and get the booster four to six weeks after recovering from the virus.”Got a news tip? Email weekendtele@news.com.auNED-5192-DT-App-Banner
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