Here’s a quick wrap of today’s COVID news from across the states.

You can jump to the COVID-19 stories you want to read by clicking below.

NSW hospitalisations rise by 165 as healthcare staff ordered back to work  

The number of people in hospital increased from 901 to 1,066.

Two people have died and 83 people are in intensive case.

In the 24 hours to 8pm, 90,019 tests were carried out.

Dr Sara says patients will not be at risk of catching COVID due to the isolation changes for staff.(ABC News)

With pressure building on the state’s health system and staff, isolation rules for asymptomatic staff has been reduced.

But under an exemption to the Public Health Order signed by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, these staff can now be ordered back to work.

Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation NSW president Tony Sara said the pressure on the system was enormous.

“We’re loading our hospitals with COVID-positive patients who need to be in hospital,” Dr Sara said.

“Staff in NSW will wear full PPE consistent with the circumstances, that will be face shields, it will be masks and gowns.

Over three-quarters of Victoria’s cases now Omicron  

Melbourne recorded its first drop in daily COVID case numbers since Christmas.(ABC News: Crystalyn Brown)

There are 472 people in hospital with the virus, including 52 patients in intensive care.

Victoria now has more than 31,000 active cases, while 715 people have died in the current outbreak.

The latest infections were detected from more than 48,000 coronavirus tests processed on New Years Day.

The COVID-positive rate has continued to rise, with 15 per cent of people being tested returning positive results.

The Health Department confirmed the highly transmissible Omicron variant is now responsible for more than three-quarters of infections acquired over the Christmas period.

Clusters linked to the St Paul’s Cathedral, Ms Collins nightclub in Melbourne, and St Vincents Emergency Department are still the main outbreaks of concern.

Queensland’s updated mask rules take effect 

From today, masks must be worn in:

  • workplaces
  • waiting rooms
  • libraries
  • hairdressers
  • nail salons
  • hospitality venues and indoor stadiums, except if seated

Vonda Malone said travel restrictions will help slow the virus’ spread in the region. (ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter)

The move hopes to slow the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable locations.

An outbreak at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre now numbers 14, including two staff and 12 young people.

The centre has been locked down.

Meanwhile, in the Torres Strait, community leaders want to restrict non-essential travel to try to protect the region.

Torres Shire council Mayor Vonda Malone says there are currently at least 12 positive COVID-19 cases in the area.

Tasmanians warned about interstate travel as state records 404 new cases 

Sunday’s cases takes the total number of active cases in the state to 1,219. 

It follows 428 cases announced on Saturday and 137 cases the day before.

Almost 92 per cent of the state’s eligible population aged over 12 are double vaccinated.

Over the weekend, Premier Peter Gutwein urged Tasmanians travelling interstate should consider the likelihood of contracting the virus.

“Your travel plans may be interrupted because you may become positive yourself … or you may be a close contact,” he said. 

The ACT records 506 new cases — another daily record 

Nine people are in hospital as a result of the virus, with one person in intensive care requiring ventilation.

There are now 1,827 active cases of the virus in the territory.

More than 98.5 per cent of residents aged 12 and older have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

QLD records 3,587 new cases as state enters ‘new battle against COVID-19’

The state now has 16,688 active cases.

Five people are in intensive care, but none require a ventilator. There are 112 patients in total requiring treatment in hospital.

“As we enter a new year, we are entering a new battle against COVID-19,” said Treasurer Cameron Dick. 

Mr Dick urged Queenslanders to get vaccinated, wear masks and work from home where possible.

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