The daily number of COVID cases in New South Wales has crept back up above 1000 - as a further 10 virus-related deaths are reported.
There were 1022 new cases reported on Tuesday morning, up from 935 a day earlier.
Of the deaths, one person was in their 50s, one person was in their 60s, two people were in their 70s, five people were in their 80s and one person was in their 90s.
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Six were unvaccinated, two had received one dose of vaccine and two were fully vaccinated.
The two fully vaccinated people, a woman in her 90s and a man in his 80s, had serious underlying health conditions.
“I just want to say to their family and friends my very great sympathy to each and every one of you,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
“When you have someone from your family or a friend pass away it certainly is one of the worst moments in our lives.”
There are currently 1266 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 244 people in intensive care, 118 of whom require ventilation.
Across the state, 82.5 per cent of eligible residents have received one dose of vaccine.
Fifty-three per cent are fully vaccinated.
Hazzard added that cases had been detected in northern NSW, resulting in a lockdown of Byron Bay, the Tweed Shire and Kempsey.
The seven-day lockdown will come into effect at 5pm on Tuesday.
Hazzard said it was crucial people in the area - which is among the lowest vaccine rates in the state - come forward for vaccination.
“Let’s make sure that everybody across our state has the benefit of being safe for themselves, for their family and their friends.”
It comes as bubble arrangements are expanded to allow children aged 18 or younger to form a “friends bubble” in groups of three.
The arrangement was signed off by the Crisis Cabinet on Monday night, with Hazzard saying it was necessary to “strike a balance” between limiting risk of COVID and mental health.
“Parents and children have had a difficult few months, trying to balance both work, often from home, as well as home schooling,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“This change will hopefully make a big difference for families during the school holidays and allow young children and teenagers to catch up and reconnect with their friends.”