Sydney: Australia’s New South Wales state reported more than 6,000 new Covid-19 cases Monday. It also confirmed its first death from the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The fatal case was identified as a man in his 80s who was infected by the Omicron at an aged care facility in western Sydney. He was fully vaccinated but had underlying health conditions.
New South Wales, which is Australia’s most populous state, reported 6,324 new infections Monday. It is a decrease of 70 cases from the record number a day before. There were 524 people in hospitals, including 55 in intensive care.
New measures came into force Monday in New South Wales. Among them were limits of one person per two square meters (22 square feet) in bars and restaurants and required ‘check-ins’ with QR codes in hospitality venues.
New South Wales health minister Brad Hazzard said the state government is considering lifting the requirement for health workers to isolate after being exposed to Covid-19 because of staff shortages.
Victoria state reported 1,999 new cases Monday with three deaths. State Covid-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said Victoria has moved to random genome testing for the omicron variant to better understand its spread.
Meanwhile, a Sydney laboratory which Sunday said 400 people who received negative reports from Covid-19 tests had in fact tested positive.
