There's something in the air. And I think it could be hope...

Since Monday's announcement that NSW and the ACT are on the path toward 'freedom' there has been a shift toward positivity.

Families are making plans to catch up, businesses are taking bookings, stood down staff are being rostered on and pub-goers are planning their first night out at the local.

But as always, even the best laid paths can develop some cracks.

It was announced today that NSW aged care residents can be visited by two fully vaccinated people per day from October 11 - a relief for families desperate to spend time with elderly relatives.

This welcome announcement was clouded by the revelation that the state also experienced a record number of COVID-19 deaths (15) over the 24-hour reporting period.

The federal government has also revealed its COVID-19 financial relief packages will be phased out over two weeks once a state reaches 80 per cent double dose vaccination.

With hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses receiving support, it is hoped that this process will be a smooth transition - unlike the initial rollout of support at the beginning of the recent outbreak.

For months now Brisbane has been gearing up to host the 2021 NRL Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium, but there are fears those gears could come grinding to halt with the state recording four new Coronavirus cases.

The NRL, however, is quietly confident that a move to Townsville won't be necessary.

Meanwhile, parents in the ACT aren't so confident that children returning to school next month is the best idea. Many wonder if there will be flexibility choosing between face-to-face and at-home schooling until children under 12 can receive a jab.

The Australian Medical Association is confident that the ability to do at-home COVID testing will be helpful in monitoring the virus when it eventually arrives in Tasmania.

The southern-most state has been lucky to escape a major outbreak thus far with AMA Tasmania president Helen McArdle saying home-testing will "add to the toolbox" available to Tasmanians and health authorities in managing outbreaks.

With holiday-seeking Aussies hoping to get their fill of adventure after months of border closures, it's probably smart for states like Tassie and WA to prepare for eventual outbreaks.

Two Victorian businessmen who simply could not wait for borders to reopen have been charged after they allegedly used fake Northern Territory driver's licences to enter Western Australia for the AFL grand final.

Look, I'm keen to travel as much as the next person - but getting fake IDs simply to watch the footy is a bit extreme.

If only we could all have a slice of their confidence (without the urge to do criminal things); it would certainly make navigating the path forward a bit easier.

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