NSW has recorded 1,742 new COVID-19 cases, while Victoria's daily infection figure is the highest it has been since late October:
Premier Dominic Perrottet is urging people to shift the focus from infections to the number of people in hospital.
All household contacts of close contacts should also be tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned on Wednesday that COVID-19 cases would continue to rise, with modelling showing they could hit 25,000 a day by the end of January if the reproduction rate climbs.
While masks are no longer required, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says her "clear advice" is for people to keep wearing them in indoor settings.Victoria has reported 1,622 new COVID-19 cases and a further nine deaths, as the state slightly eases restrictions despite stubborn infection numbers and the emergence of the Omicron variant.
In Victoria, masks must still be worn in all retail settings and for hospitality workers, but will not be required at weddings and funerals.Meanwhile, vaccine mandates have been scrapped in several settings in Victoria but masks remain in retail under relaxed restrictions from Thursday.
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