SIX people have died as NSW's daily COVID case tally fell again in Thursday's update.
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The state recorded 406 local cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday, October 14.
There was one international arrival with the virus, taking the overall total to 407.
There are 711 people in hospital, with 143 in intensive care.
The hospital figures show a drop from Wednesday's daily additions, when NSW Health announced there were 716 people in hospital and 150 requiring intensive are.
More than 85,000 tests were conducted during the 24-hour window.
Statewide 91.1 per cent of people over 16 have had a single dose of a COVID vaccine while 76.5 per cent have received two.
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A detailed update, including a regional breakdown and information on those who died, is expected at 11am.
Thursday's numbers follow the state government confirming it would expand the Dine and Discover program, offering another two vouchers valid until June next year.
It also launched a program offering 5000 hospitality businesses $5000 to expand al fresco areas under temporary powers to let them use areas including bowling greens and car parks that were privately owned.
"After a long winter, it's time for Sydney to enjoy a meal or drink in the sunshine and the NSW Government is committed to helping businesses do that in time for summer," Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said.
"We're providing 5,000 hospitality businesses a $5,000 grant to get their outdoor dining venture off the ground - whether that's to help set-up curb-side dining or a pub-style courtyard, we're here to turn their ideas into reality."
The changes, rolling out from November, include making permanent outdoor dining an exempt development for pubs and small bars in NSW.
"In addition to the permanent easing of rules for dining on footpaths and public spaces, we're temporarily allowing outdoor dining on privately-owned bowling greens and carparks, meaning businesses can expand outdoors on almost any piece of land they own to welcome more customers," Minister for Planning Rob Stokes said.
Mr Dominello said the new Dine and Discover vouchers would work just like the old ones.
"You'll find them in your ServiceNSW app in time for Summer or you can contact ServiceNSW and they can send them to you," he said.
NSW residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers.
Businesses do not need to re-apply to participate.