Sydney, Dec 23, (dpa/GNA) – Australia’s New South Wales announced a spike in daily coronavirus cases on Thursday, with infections topping 5,000 for the first time.
The country’s most populous state, which includes the city of Sydney, recorded 5,715 new cases up to Wednesday evening, up from 3,763 the previous day.
Hospitalizations rose from 302 to 347, and one person died.
Health authorities say most patients in hospitals are unvaccinated.
The state has a high vaccination rate, with 93.5 per cent of over-16s and 78.2 per cent of those aged 12-15 having received two doses. Under-12s are not eligible in Australia until January.
After months of lockdown and a staggered reopening for vaccinated people, New South Wales relaxed most of its coronavirus containment measures on December 15 for all.
State Premier, Dominic Perrottet, on Thursday said mask mandates would be reintroduced in indoor public places from midnight, adding that density limits would return to hospitality venues from December 27.
He warned the public not to mingle while they are out at restaurants or public venues.
The state government had already said QR code check-ins would revert to being mandatory at supermarkets, shops and hospitality venues.
The state of Victoria also decided to bring back mask rules for indoor public mask rules from midnight Thursday, after reporting 2,005 daily cases, 398 hospitalized people and 10 deaths. Victoria’s population over 12 is 92 per cent double vaccinated.
Both states advised people to work from home.
Nationwide, Australia has double vaccinated just over 90 per cent of its population 16 and over.
Over-18s in Australia are eligible for booster doses of vaccines five months after their second dose.
Australia has recorded more than 260,000 coronavirus cases and over 2,100, deaths since the pandemic began.
GNA