Advertisement

NSW smashes Covid record with more than 6,200 new cases

NSW's coronavirus cases continue to soar to record daily heights after the state recorded more than 6,200 cases.

The health department said on Christmas Day, Saturday, 6,288 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the past 24 hours to 8pm with no new deaths.

Fifty-two people remain in the ICU and a total of 388 are in hospital.

Hospitalisations have steadily increased from 382 on Friday. There were also 5,612 cases reported that day.

People queue at the RPA Covid-19 testing centre in Sydney, Australia.
People queue outside the RPA Covid-19 testing centre in Sydney. Source: Getty Images

In a bid to slow the infection rate down, the NSW Government re-introduced QR code check-ins and masks in indoor settings earlier this week.

"That’s just to ensure as we move through this period of time we do have that support for our health officers over this summer and holiday period," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters on Thursday.

“In addition to that, we’re encouraging people not to mingle and when you’re out at a restaurant or cafe and a pub or a club, please where possible don’t mingle."

The rules will remain active until January 27.

Kurtis Waho, RN and COVID-19 Vaccination Coordinator administers a Pfizer vaccine booster to a client in Sydney, Australia.
NSW is approaching 95 per cent of its population over 16 being fully vaccinated. Source: Gwtty Images

NSW approaches 95 per cent fully vaccinated

NSW is now all but guaranteed to reach its goal of 95 per cent vaccination coverage, with the share of people with at least one dose hitting that target on Saturday.

The spiralling outbreak is swamping contact tracers, overwhelming testing sites and affecting flight schedules as authorities reintroduce mask rules.

Dozens of Jetstar and Qantas domestic flights out of Sydney were cancelled on Christmas Eve as frontline staff deemed close contacts were forced to get tested and isolate as the virus spreads through the city.

While no restrictions will impact Christmas gatherings at homes on Saturday, those still able to celebrate are encouraged to take Covid-19 precautions where ever possible.

Revellers should undertake rapid antigen tests before gathering, should prioritise ventilation and should ask elderly visitors to sit outside on the verandah, NSW Health said.

Victoria records 2,108 new coronavirus cases

Another 2,108 Victorians are spending Christmas Day in isolation along with close contacts, after contracting Covid-19.

The state has also recorded a further six virus-related deaths.

Shoppers wear a face mask at David Jones store in Melbourne, Australia.
Shoppers in Melbourne on Christmas Eve. Source: Getty Images

Victoria is now managing almost 17,600 active coronavirus cases. There are 361 COVID-19 patients in hospitals across the state, slightly down on the seven-day average of 383.

There are 71 active virus patients in intensive care, 42 who require ventilation. This compares with 75 ICU patients on Friday and 40 on ventilation.

Health officials say the daily increase in infections came from more than 83,000 results processed by virus testers.

Victoria is 92 per cent per cent fully vaccinated for everyone aged 12 and over.

with AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.