Australian state sees major spike in Omicron cases, hospitalisation

Australia on Thursday reported a major spike in coronavirus infections, a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected lockdowns or mask mandates to slow the spread of the omicron variant.

The most populous state, New South Wales, recorded 5,715 new cases, up from 3,763 and almost as many as were recorded across all of Australia on Wednesday. New South Wales also reported one death.

There were 347 people in New South Wales hospitals, up from 302 the previous day, and 45 in intensive care units, up from 40. Victoria state also saw a sharp increase, reporting 2,005 new infections on Thursday and 10 deaths.

Morrison on Wednesday convened a Cabinet meeting with leaders of Australia's states and territories. He later told reporters lockdowns and mask mandates are not being considered.

A decision on whether the gap between second vaccine doses and booster shots will be shortened will be left to the Australian Technical Advise Group on Immunisation.

"My message is stay calm, get your booster, follow the commonsense behavioral measures as you're going into Christmas and we look forward to that," Morrison said. "Australians have worked very hard to have this Chrismas together and we want to protect that."

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said after Wednesday's meeting that his government was working to make rapid antigen tests more readily available. The tests previously have been scarce and expensive.

"Providing rapid antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics while giving people confidence to get on with their lives," Perrottet said.

"This will also help people monitor their symptoms and go about their daily activities in a responsible manner helping protect themselves, their families and the community.