NSW Health says the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has “likely” accounted for the majority of today’s 2,482 COVID-19 cases — the highest daily figure recorded in Australia since the start of the pandemic.
There are now 206 people admitted to hospital for COVID-19 treatment — a dip from yesterday’s 215 — and 26 people in intensive care.
NSW Health said the majority of today’s cases are the Omicron variant.
A woman in her 90s from south-west Sydney has died with the virus.
President of the NSW Australian Medical Association (AMA) Dr Danielle McMullen said more needs to be done to stop the spread of Omicron due to the high transmissibility.
Dr McMullen called for mask-wearing indoors to be reintroduced, particularly in NSW, to help curb the spread of the virus.
Victoria has recorded 1,504 new COVID-19 cases and seven people have died as the number of Omicron infections in the state remains steady.
The newly reported deaths bring the toll during the current outbreak up to 631, and there are 13,443 active COVID-19 cases across the state.
There are 384 people in hospital with COVID-19, of whom 84 are in intensive care and 43 are on a ventilator.
A further 38 cases remain in intensive care but have been cleared of COVID.
Yesterday there were 88,083 COVID tests done, and long waiting times were reported, with some people waiting hours to get swabbed.
Case numbers in every Australian state
NSW: 2,482 new cases, one more death. Double-dose vaccination rate: 93.3 per cent (16+)
Victoria: 1,504 new cases, seven more deaths. Double-dose vaccination rate: 92 per cent (12+)
The ACT: 18 new cases. Double-dose vaccination rate: 98.3 per cent (12+)
Queensland: 31 new cases. Double-dose vaccination rate: 83.9 per cent (16+)
Tasmania: One new case. Double-dose vaccination rate: 90 per cent (12+)
The NT: One new case. Double-dose vaccination: 81.5 per cent (12+)
SA: 73 new cases. Double-dose vaccination rate: 85.9 per cent (12+)
WA: No new cases. Double-dose vaccination rate: 79.7 per cent (12+)
