- The number of new COVID-19 cases in NSW has exceeded 5,000 for the first time - setting a new record for the highest daily COVID-19 tally in Australia.
- The NSW government is considering providing free rapid antigen tests in the mail and it's likely there will be a return to mandatory QR check-ins at retail and hospitality venues.
- Premier Dominic Perrottet is resisting bringing back mandates for wearing masks at indoor venues, despite NSW Health urging everyone to wear them in high-risk settings.
- In Victoria, masks will be mandatory indoors from 11:59pm on Thursday for people aged eight and over, Acting Premier James Merlino announced.
- Queensland has recorded 369 cases of COVID-19, a new record in a single day for the state.
- A federal government mandate on the wearing of face masks remains off the table, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said following a National Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
- The number of daily COVID-19 cases has topped 100,000 as the UK Prime Minister resists calls to impose stricter rules in England over the Christmas period.
COVID-19 STATS:
NSW recorded 5,715 locally acquired cases and one death.
Victoria recorded 2,005 new community cases and 10 deaths.
Queensland recorded 369 cases, the ACT 85, Tasmania 26.
Quarantine and restrictions state by state:
Travel
Financial help
There are changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment once states reach 70 and 80 per cent fully vaccinated:
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