NSW breaks Covid-19 record for second day with 2213 new cases, one new death on Friday

Mandatory mask-wearing was just scrapped in NSW, but the state’s Deputy Premier has pointedly refused to rule out reintroducing the requirement.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole has not ruled out the possibility of the NSW government reintroducing mandatory mask use amid the state’s spiking Covid numbers.

Mr Toole said on Friday that the state government would stick with its road map for now despite the Omicron variant’s rapid spread.

“I think this is a conversation that we’re going to continue to have over the coming days and the coming weeks,” he told 2BG radio.

“I don’t want to get into the point at the moment where it’s mandatory.

“We are seeing case numbers continuing to rise across the state but I do say to people, it is your responsibility — you can wear a mask.”

Under current rules, masks do not need to be worn in many indoor areas but they are strongly recommended where it is not possible to socially distance.

If you are over the age of 12, you must still wear a mask at a public transport waiting area, while on public transport, at airports and on aircraft in NSW, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.

Hundreds of people are rushing to get tested for Covid as Omicron spreads across NSW. Picture: Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Earlier on Friday, it was revealed another person had died and NSW recorded its highest daily amount of Covid-19 cases over the course of the entire pandemic, with infections soaring to 2213.

It was a jump from 1742 on Thursday and 1360 on Wednesday, with 215 people now in hospital with the virus, 24 of which are in intensive care.

Of the NSW population aged over 16, 93.3 per cent are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and 94.8 per cent have had at least one dose.

More than 127,000 NSW residents came forward for tests as eager people rush to get tested ahead of Christmas celebrations.

The escalating case numbers are being driven by superspreading events at large venues such as pubs and nightclubs.

The Omicront variant – known to be highly transmissible – is infecting patrons.

NSW Health issued warnings for multiple venues across the Newcastle area on Friday morning, where at least 50 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were present at the time.

“It is likely many of these cases have the Omicron variant of concern,” NSW Health said in a statement.

NSW has recorded its highest amount of Covid-19 cases over the course of the entire pandemic with infections soaring to 2213 on Friday and one new death. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

Anyone who attended The Great Northern Hotel on December 11 from 12.01am until close, Finnegan’s Hotel on December 11 7pm until close and The Cambridge Hotel on December 11 from 7pm until close, and December 12 from 6pm until close are being urged to monitor for symptoms.

A significant cluster is also emerging in Sydney as the result of a Taylor Swift-themed dance party at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Friday December 10.

At least 97 people who attended the party tested positive as of Thursday evening, with some cases believed to be the Omicron variant.

Two men, both aged 20, have been fined for attending one of the events in Newcastle after they were designated as close contacts and were told to isolate.

The pair both tested positive to the virus and lead to the outbreak of the virus, with more than 200 people since contracting Covid-19.

The transmission rates have prompted NSW Health to issue a “red alert” for hospitals, meaning no one can enter health facilities unless it is critical.