As NSW approaches 'freedom day' and the removal of stay home orders across our State, the lifting of restrictions doesn't mean our journey with COVID-19 is over, far from it.

This COVID Up Close Special gives you a front-row seat into how our hospital staff are dealing with patients in ICU, plus we talk to patients who've recently battled the delta strain of the virus.

You'll also hear about challenges ahead for our Indigenous communities lagging behind on vaccination rates, and insights into what's coming for NSW youth as students prepare to return to class October 25.