NSW likely to reintroduce restrictions as record no of 38,625 COVID-19 cases, and 11 deaths overnight

COVID-19 infections have soared to a record high of 38,625 cases and 11 deaths  in New South Wales, with 112,725 tests conducted in the past 24 hours. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is expected to reintroduce some COVID-19 restrictions today after NSW recorded 70,000 coronavirus cases in two days and a significant increase in the number of hospitalised patients.

NSW has recorded more infections in the past three days than during the entirety of the Delta outbreak, which ran from June 16 to November 29, when the Omicron strain was first detected.

Hospitalisations in the state have grown exponentially with another 129 patients admitted for COVID treatment, bringing the total to 1,738.  134 people being treated in ICU.

As COVID-19 cases continue to climb, the NSW government is considering pausing elective surgery in a bid to reduce pressure on the hospital system.

There may be further restrictions to be introduced  as early as today in a bid to reduce infections. They include the closure of nightclubs, density changes for venues, no more dance floors. Standing drinking may be discouraged and some major events could be paused.

Victoria also has recorded new 21,728 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths, and has also seen a surge in hospitalisations.