The death of a woman infected with Covid-19 in New South Wales highlights the importance of speedy vaccination, a public health expert is warning. A woman waits for a ferry at Circular Quay near Sydney Harbour Bridge during lockdown in Sydney. Photo: AFP The Australian state recorded 77 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday, and its first Covid-19 related death in 10 months. Twenty-two of those cases had no known source of infection and 33 of those cases were out in the community while sick. Authorities expect case numbers today to exceed 100. Victorian health authorities have ordered the effective closure of the state's border with New South Wales.