NSW sets daily death record as premier touts new Covid plan

NSW's daily Covid-19 cases have risen above 30,000 again, while the state has recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic with 21 deaths.

There are 2,242 people in hospital with Covid, up from the 2,186 on Tuesday. There are now 175 people in ICU.

There were 34,759 new cases reported, nearly 10,000 more than Tuesday's total.

With more than 130,000 tests processed, roughly one in four people tested positive to the virus.

The previous record for deaths was set on Monday when 18 people died with the virus.

NSW will imminently include rapid antigen tests in its daily Covid numbers, the state government says, with cases expected to jump significantly when they are included.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns says the state is "flying blind" without such reporting, lambasting the state government for lagging behind Victoria in its registration capabilities.

Premier Dominic Perrottet told the Daily Telegraph there is no other option but to live with the virus and outlined potential support that could be rolled out for residents.

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It includes early plans to allow people to obtain rapid antigen tests in a scheme similar to Dine and Discover.

Parents would also be able to acquire the tests through schools.

Mr Perrottet says daily Covid cases will likely peak by the end of January.

Victoria also recorded 21 deaths on Wednesday alongside 40,127 cases.

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