NSW has re-introduced mandatory mask-wearing indoors and imposed capacity limits on restaurants and bars in a huge U-turn just a week after relaxing the rules.
Premier Dominic Perrottet also re-introduced QR-code check-ins and said working from home is encouraged.
Hospitality venues will have a one person per two square metres rule imposed from December 27 until January 27.
Masks indoors except at private homes will also be mandated until January 27.
It comes after Australia recorded a record 8,210 cases on Thursday including 5,715 in NSW, 2,005 in Victoria, 369 in Queensland, 85 in the ACT, 26 in Tasmania and 10 in the Northern Territory.
Earlier this week Mr Perrottet said he didn’t want mask mandates because he wanted to treat people ‘like adults’ and let them decide for themselves. But he has totally backflipped on this position.
‘We believe today’s changes are modest, cautious, takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January,’ he said.
‘The system is in a very strong position. Our ICU numbers remain low at 45. That is incredibly pleasing.
‘We believe the changes that we are making today will ensure that our health system is well manned over the holiday season as we go through this next stage.
‘Our number one priority is to keep people safe. We continue to open up the economy safely and are incredibly confident that New South Wales and our great people have made an enormous efforts and sacrifices over this period of time.’
Mr Perrottet said he has received health advice that the Omicron strain is ‘five times less severe’ than Delta but more data was needed to make sure.
Meanwhile, Victorians have also been ordered to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces as part of major changes to the state’s social distancing measures.
Beginning on Friday, face coverings will be mandatory for patrons at cafes, restaurants and pubs in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron Corvid variant, Deputy Premier James Merlino said.
Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask. Mr Merlino said Victorians should also now work from home if they can and urged hospitality venues to switch to a seated-only service to reduce transmission.
Mr Merlino also ruled out introducing a further lockdown – Melbourne having suffered through a world record 262 days during the pandemic, because the state’s residents have been vaccinated record numbers.
‘It means that we are not considering going into lockdown and this is the commitment that we gave to the people of Victoria,’ he said.
Victorians have been ordered to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces from 11.59pm on Thursday night. Pictured is a commuter getting on a tram on Collins Street, Melbourne
The deputy premier said the changes were ‘modest measures’ that would protect the state’s health system from the recent surge in infections.
‘Masks have a very small individual cost for us,’ Mr Merlino said. ‘They have a terrific impact on transmission – that is as true for Omicron as for any variant.’
Premier Daniel Andrews did not appear at Thursday’s Covid press conference but did briefly interrupt his holiday to attend Wednesday’s national cabinet meeting.
There are 398 Victorians receiving care in hospital with 72 in intensive care, a small increase from 394 in hospital and 70 in ICU on Wednesday.
Mr Morrison this week urged states not to re-introduce mask mandates, saying Australians should by this point in the pandemic know when and when not to wear a face covering.
‘Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don’t need to be forced to do it,’ he said.
‘Think of Christmas Day when you’re going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask – it’s pretty simple.’
Shoppers walk across Collins Street in Melbourne on December 22. Covid-19 case numbers are on the increase across the state with 2,005 new infections and ten deaths reported on Thursday
Residents attending major events with more than 30,000 spectators will also have to wear a face mask. Pictured are Melbourne Demons fans during the AFL Grand Final in Perth on September 25
The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.
Australia’s PCR testing sites have been overwhelmed by travellers trying to get tested before going on holiday.
Switching to rapid antigen would slash these numbers and stop testing sites being overwhelmed by the ‘worried well’ and delay testing for those who are feeling sick.
‘People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it,’ Mr Perrottet said.
‘Providing rapid-antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics, while giving people confidence to get on with their lives.’
Melburnians pictured outside Melbourne Town Hall on December 22. NSW has meanwhile suffered its worst day of the pandemic with 5,715 new Covid-19 cases