NSW Covid record tumbles as thousands test positive again
NSW has broken its Covid-case record for the second time in as many days as the state recorded 2,213 new cases of coronavirus.
The health department said on Friday morning, 215 people are in hospital being treated for Covid-19 with 24 in the ICU. Another death was also recorded.
The health department on Thursday recorded 1,742 new cases of the virus with 192 people in hospital.
It led to the department restricting visits to healthcare facilities due to increasing transmissions and the emergence of the Omicron variant.
"We have not made this decision lightly. We must always prioritise our vulnerable patients and staff who are arguably the most vital workers needed in a pandemic," NSW Health said on Thursday evening.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters on Wednesday he wants residents to focus on hospitalisations and not case numbers ahead of the holidays.
Wednesday was also the day NSW scrapped many restrictions including requiring masks in indoor settings except for airports and public transport.
Taylor Swift dance party leads to Covid cluster
The latest significant cluster emerged from a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in the Sydney CBD on Friday.
At least 97 people have tested positive so far, NSW Health said on Thursday evening, with at least some of the cases likely to be the Omicron variant.
All 600 people who arrived at the Metro Theatre after 9pm were designated close contacts and forced to isolate for a week.
A series of super-spreader events in Newcastle have caused a wave of infections in the Hunter area.
The majority are the Omicron variant.
Two 20-year-old men have been fined for attending one of the events - a Wednesday evening party at a nightclub - in defiance of self-isolation orders after they were designated as close contacts.
They both later tested positive. More than 200 people contracted the virus at the party.
Health authorities are now urging the Newcastle community to consider delaying social events until after Christmas to keep family gatherings safe.
with AAP
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