Covid cases hit another record high in NSW with 2,213 infections and one death while Victoria records 1,510 with eight fatalities just before Christmas – but ICU numbers are DOWN
- NSW reported a record 2,213 new Covid-19 cases and one death on Friday
- Victoria announced 1,510 new infections one week away from Christmas
- New cases announced in NSW marked a pandemic high for daily total cases
NSW has reported a record 2,213 new Covid-19 cases and one death while Victoria has recorded 1,510 a week before Christmas.
The new cases announced in NSW on Friday smash the state record marking the highest daily tally since the pandemic began.
It beats the previous record of 1,742 new infections that were reported on Thursday.
Hospitalisation rates have also spiked with 215 patients being treated in hospital – compared to 194 reported on Thursday.
In a positive twist, the number of patients being treated in ICU has dipped from 26 to 24.
NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has insisted that he will not plunge the state back into lockdown while his Victorian counterpart Daniel Andrews has been forced into isolation after coming into contact with a positive case.
NSW has reported a record 2,213 new Covid-19 cases and one death while Victoria has recorded 1,510 a week before Christmas
The new cases announced in NSW on Friday smash the state record marking the highest daily tally since the pandemic began
NSW Health has announced temporary restrictions at health facilities in light of the growing number of cases.
Patients will be allowed visitors for compassionate reasons only and to provide essential needs including palliative care and supporting women in childbirth.
All visitors must be fully vaccinated and follow mask-wearing rules.
‘We have temporarily restricted visitors to healthcare facilities due to increasing transmission rates with the emergence of the Omicron variant,’ NSW Health tweeted on Thursday night.
‘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.’
Mr Andrews, who was on his first day of Christmas leave, attended a ‘swanky’ 50th birthday for a friend at the Elwood foreshore Saturday night, in the south of Melbourne.
Late on Wednesday night he received a Health Department text message notifying him he’d been exposed to the virus – along with dozens of other party guests, The Age reported.
The Covid-hardliner who kept Melbourne trapped in the world’s longest lockdown was at the Elwood Bathers with his wife Catherine and a team of personal security guards.
The woman being honoured in the private function room was the Andrew’s long-time friend Fiona Waller, who is married to iSelect founder Damien Waller.
Mrs Andrews reportedly made a speech at the dinner as guests let their hair down with an array of cocktails and wine on offer.
More to come
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