NSW Covid update: mask-wearing and vaccine passports may be needed for years as 753 cases reported

Westmead hospital in Sydney's west calls yellow emergency' due to rising Delta cases at the facility

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New South Wales citizens could be wearing masks indoors for years and proof of vaccination may be required to enter high-risk venues, even when the state reaches 80% vaccination coverage, the chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant, has warned.

The warning was delivered as one of Sydney's largest hospitals, Westmead, set up an emergency operations centre" on Tuesday as it grappled with staff and capacity issues caused by surging Delta cases in the city's west.