Covid-19 cases spike again in NSW with 1742 infections reported on Thursday

NSW has recorded its highest number of daily Covid-19 infections since the pandemic began, with the Omicron strain fuelling soaring cases.

NSW has reported 1742 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, the highest daily number of infections recorded in the state since the pandemic began.

There were 1360 new infections on Wednesday, the highest number in months, following a previous record of 1599 cases on September 11.

NSW’s climbing cases means the state overtakes Victoria, which reported 1622 new infections on Thursday.

In NSW, 192 people are in hospital with the virus, with 26 in ICU.

Of the over 16 population, 93.3 per cent are fully vaccinated against the virus and 94.8 per cent have had at least one shot.

Of teenagers aged between 12 and 15, 77.8 per cent are fully vaccinated and 81.4 per cent have had at least one dose.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has stood firm on the reopening road map. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

There were 143,938 tests conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Wednesday the virus’ reproductive rate had passed 1.5, with cases doubling every few days.

He said the state’s hospital system was well prepared but University of NSW researchers were forecasting a possible 25,000 infections per day in January.

There were 110 cases of the Omicron variant confirmed in the state on Wednesday, with authorities expecting more to come.

Health officials believe the new strain is fuelling the increase in cases, which are likely to spread across the state.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Wednesday urged people to focus on hospitalisation and intensive care numbers, which remain low, rather than daily cases.

Restrictions were eased further on Wednesday, with people in NSW no longer required to wear masks in many places or show their proof of vaccination.