Premier apologises over harsh rule as NSW records 24 Covid deaths

Rules for visiting NSW hospitals will be eased after the state reported another 24 Covid-19 deaths and 10,130 infections.

The number of people in hospital with the virus has dropped by 111 to to 1795.

Some 121 people remain in intensive care - that's down by 11 from the previous day.

Premier Dominic Perrottet says hospital visitation rules will be tweaked soon after a backlash from families denied the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones.

He has apologised on behalf of the state and promised to announce changes on Thursday.

The protocols were intended to strike a "difficult balance" between limiting the spread of Covid-19 in the hospital system and making sure family support was available to those gravely ill and dying, he said.

"I know we need to be cautious, but my view is compassion overrides caution in these instances," Mr Perrottet told reporters on Wednesday.

The premier will agitate for more changes in policy at national cabinet on Thursday, with discussion on including boosters as part of a full Covid-19 vaccination course and the return of cruising on the agenda.

Victoria records a further 16 virus deaths

Victoria has recorded 9391 new Covid-19 cases and 16 people have died with the virus.

The fresh infections include 6045 from rapid antigen tests and 3,346 from PCR tests, the health department said on Thursday.

The state is managing 55,946 total active cases.

• 'IT'S OVER': Sweden scraps Covid rules, Britain to end isolation early

• Family's heartbreak as girl, 7, 'dies from Covid complications'

• 'Broad implications': New study finds 'lasting damage' caused by Covid

The number of Victorians in hospital has risen by one, to 543 patients on Thursday.

Of these, 75 are in intensive care, an increase of four, and 23 are in need of ventilation.

About 48 per cent of Victorians over 18 have received a vaccine booster after 14,863 doses were administered at state-run hubs on Wednesday.

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.