Woman with COVID dies in Sutherland Hospital

A woman in her 80s, from Sydney's southern suburbs, has died at Sutherland Hospital after contracting COVID-19.

NSW Health reported 1599 new locally acquired coronavirus cases - another record - and eight deaths in the 24-hours to 8pm last night.

Other deaths included a man in his 30s from western Sydney and a man in his 40s from south-western Sydney, both of whom died at home.

Six of those who died were aged between their 50s and 80s.

"NSW Health extends its deepest sympathies to their loved ones," a statement said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said, "particularly sadly", none of the eight people who died were vaccinated. All had underlying health conditions.

Asked about the number of people dying at home, Mr Hazzard said the virus was "highlighting the inequalities" in some communities, with some people not coming forward for fear they will not be able to work.

"The most important thing is to stay alive," he said.

"I say to those people, the federal government and the state government have put up economic packages, there is also lots of other support for you," he said.

"Please, please, please, do not run the risk of dying."

There were 147,975 COVID tests reported to 8pm on Friday, compared with the previous day's total of 133,226.

There are 1164 COVID patients in hospital, of whom 221 people are in intensive care, 94 of them requiring ventilation.

NSW Health reported 1599 new locally acquired cases and eight deaths in the last 24-hour recording period.