Australian doctors have warned a too-rapid easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Sydney could put pressure on health systems and risk lives, as the country's biggest city prepares for an end to more than 100 days in lockdown next week.

Stay-at-home restrictions are due to be lifted on Monday after New South Wales state hit a targeted 70 per cent for full vaccination of its adult population. Authorities on Thursday bumped up permitted limits for home gatherings, weddings and funerals, Reuters reported.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA), however, representing the country's doctors, said opening “too fast or too early” will result in avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns.

Officials have a staggered plan to ease curbs in coming weeks when full inoculation hits 70pc, 80pc and 90pc of adults, a boost for Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy as it tries to avoid a second recession in as many years.