NSW records more than 19,000 new Covid cases as hospitalisations rise

Covid hospitalisations are rising in NSW and Victoria after cases surged, with a new variant of Omicron spreading rapidly.

NSW and Victoria have recorded drops in daily Covid case numbers despite a new variant of Omicron fuelling higher hospitalisation numbers.

In NSW on Saturday another 19,060 cases were confirmed, a drop from the 20,050 positive tests reported on Friday.

COVID-19 update – Saturday 19 March 2022

In the 24-hour reporting period to 4pm yesterday:

- 95.9% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 94.5% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine pic.twitter.com/ENEH7EIRTS

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) March 18, 2022

Saturday’s numbers include 11,429 positive rapid antigen test results and 7631 PCR results.

Hospitalisations have increased to 1090, up from 1060.

Intensive care admissions dropped slightly from 32 on Friday to 29 on Saturday, while 12 deaths were reported.

In Victoria there were 7847 new cases reported on Saturday, a drop from the 9036 cases reported on Friday.

The latest case numbers include 5134 positive rapid tests and 2713 PCR tests.

We thank everyone who got vaccinated and tested yesterday.

Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives.

More data soon: https://t.co/OCCFTAtS1P#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicDatapic.twitter.com/twqbChjF5v

— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) March 18, 2022

Hospitalisations increased to 210, up from 199, while the number of intensive care admissions has remained stable.

The more infectious BA.2 Omicron variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain across Australia.

Two deaths were reported in Victoria and the state has a 63.6 per cent triple adult vaccination rate.

In NSW the triple vaccination rate hits 58 per cent as the state government ramped up efforts to get booster rates up near the 94.5 per cent double dose rate.

The state government has announced Taronga Zoos in Sydney and Dubbo in central NSW will offer a two-for-one entry pass on Saturday March 26 and Sunday March 27 to anyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccine at special walk-in clinics to be set up on site.

Families will be able to get booster and children’s Covid vaccines at Taronga’s zoo in Sydney and Dubbo. Picture: Toby Zerna

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said families could use the entry pass immediately or any day up until July 31 at either zoo.

“We know parents are time poor and if they’ve had to delay a booster shot or their kids’ jabs, this is a great way to get both done and be rewarded,” he said.

“Hopefully the excitement of visiting the animals will overcome any needle fears and the initiative helps families get their Covid jabs up to date ahead of school holidays.”

The clinic at the Sydney zoo will be at the main gates, operating from 9am to 3pm.

The Dubbo clinic will run from 9am to midday in the giraffe room near the main entrance. Both clinics will offer adult and paediatric Pfizer jabs with no bookings needed.