The COVID-19 infection count continues to grow in NSW, with 6394 new cases reported in the latest 24-hour period.
Data reported on Sunday shows a new record daily case count and a drop in testing numbers by some 40,000 to 109,545 on Christmas Day.
There were no deaths reported on Sunday, but hospitalisations grew to 458, up from 388 on Saturday. There are 52 people in ICU.
Thousands of people were forced to spend Christmas in isolation on Saturday when the state added 6288 cases.
The state hit its 95 per cent single dose vaccination rate for people aged 16 and over on Christmas Eve, Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Sunday.
“We never believed we would reach that rate,” he said.
“To be in a position now where we have one of of the highest vaccination rates, not just in Australia but globally, ensures that as we open up we’re able to do so as safely as possible.”
He has urged people to get their third doses as soon as they’re eligible – four months after their second dose from January 4 and three months after from January 31.
The premier, who is visiting at major Sydney vaccination hub at Olympic Park, said he would receive his booster later on Sunday.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said those making a choice not to get vaccinated were putting themselves and others at risk.
“The unvaccinated are taking up more places than they should be in our ICUs simply because they have chosen not to get vaccinated,” he said.
The spiralling outbreak has for the past week swamped contact tracers and overwhelmed testing sites.
Authorities have urged anyone using PCR tests only because they’re visiting vulnerable relatives to use a rapid antigen test instead of lining up for a PCR.
Mr Hazzard also implored states requiring PCR tests for travel to rethink the policy, particularly given results are taking longer than 72 hours.
He said PCR tests were necessary for people with symptoms or who have been directed to test by NSW Health.
“It will take the pressure off our health system … take the heat off the pathology capacity allowing pathology to be used what it should be for.”
Current case numbers prompted the government to reintroduce some restrictions that had been wound back on December 15.
Masks are again required in indoor settings, with hospitality venues to return to the one person per two-square metre rule and QR codes to be compulsory again from Monday.
AAP
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