Omicron surging across Australia as case numbers break records

NSW has reported 3763 new Covid-19 cases as state and territory leaders prepare to hold an emergency meeting to discuss Omicron.

NSW reported 3763 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, as the state continues to smash its daily record for new infections.

Two people died with the virus in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday.

There are now 302 people in NSW hospitals with the virus, with 40 of those in intensive care.

Cases across the nation are climbing as the Omicron variant spreads.

Victoria recorded 1503 new Covid-19 cases and there were six deaths.

Queensland confirmed 186 cases, a record number, and South Australia also broke a record with 154 infections. The ACT confirmed its highest total of 58 new cases.

In NSW the daily case numbers have been climbing steadily, with 3057 new cases reported on Tuesday, 2501 on Monday and 2566 on Sunday.

A week ago, there were 1360 new cases recorded on December 15 and 166 Covid-19 patients in hospital, with 24 of those in intensive care.

Demand at COVID-19 testing centres across Sydney has surged in the lead up to Christmas. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

There were 151,443 Covid-19 tests conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, with long wait times and delayed results expected to continue.

There have been more than 400,000 Covid-19 tests in NSW this week as people rush to get tested before visiting family or travelling interstate for Christmas.

People travelling from NSW to Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia are required to show a negative PCR test to enter those states.

Of the NSW population aged over 16, 93.4 are now double-dose vaccinated while 94.9 have had at least one shot.

Premier Dominic Perrottet will meet with the Prime Minister and other state and territory leaders at an emergency meeting on Wednesday. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has resisted calls to reintroduce mandatory mask wearing and other restrictions, but encouraged people to take “personal responsibility”.

He has urged residents to get their booster doses and is calling for the interval between second and third shots to be brought down to four months.

Mr Perrottet has also encouraged people to focus on intensive care presentations, which so far remain relatively low, rather than soaring daily case numbers.