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Another 41 Covid deaths as daily cases drop in NSW and Victoria

NSW and Victoria’s daily Covid-19 cases have dropped significantly again.

NSW’s virus-related deaths have also decreased, with 24 lives lost, while another 17 people have died in Victoria.

NSW Health announced 15,091 positive tests on Monday, the lowest mark this year. Of those, 6,901 were from rapid antigen tests and 8,190 through PCR tests.

There are 2,816 people in hospital in NSW, up from 2,712 on Sunday, with 196 of those in the ICU — an increase from 189 a day earlier.

Healthcare workers administer Covid-19 tests at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Source: AAP
Both NSW and Victoria daily Covid cases continue to fall. Source: AAP

On Sunday, NSW added 20,324 new Covid-19 infections and 34 virus-related deaths, ending the state's deadliest week with a daunting 220 deaths.

The news comes after it was revealed an extra two million rapid antigen tests will be delivered to NSW schools before lessons resume for 2022 with the government promising classrooms will stay open even if students test positive.

Two test kits per week will be issued to pupils and staff across 3,000 primary and secondary schools throughout February. Early education and childcare centres are also included in the scheme.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said it is the right decision for students to return to face-to-face learning amid the Omicron wave.

"I know many parents are anxious but ultimately we know kids do better in the classroom," he told reporters on Sunday.

Victoria records 17 Covid deaths

On Monday, Victoria’s health department announced 17 residents have died from the virus.

The state also recorded 11,695 new daily cases stemming from 4,488 positive PCR tests and 7,207 rapid antigen tests.

There are 186,073 active Covid cases across the state.

Students arrive to Carlton Gardens Primary school in Melbourne, Thursday, February 18, 2021. Source: AAP
NSW and Victoria have announced their back to school plans. Source: AAP

Monday's overall daily case figure is the lowest recorded in Victoria since January 3, when 8,577 infections were added.

There are 998 people in hospital, with 119 in the ICU and 47 on a ventilator.

It comes after the state government unveiled its back-to-school plan, featuring a four-week rapid antigen test scheme, with students and staff asked to get tested twice a week before school.

With AAP

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