NSW recorded 536 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There is a total of 64 cases of COVID-19 with the Omicron variant of concern in NSW.
There were nine new cases confirmed with the Omicron variant overnight, and more are expected as results of genomic testing are confirmed.
Seven COVID-19 cases have been excluded following further investigation, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 86,264.
There are currently 171 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 24 people in intensive care, nine of whom require ventilation.
There were 74,997 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 90,804.
NSW Health has updated its advice for The Argyle House nightclub in Newcastle after an escalation in COVID-19 transmission at the venue.
So far, 84 people linked to the nightclub have tested positive to COVID-19, 60 of these overnight. A number of these cases are likely to be the Omicron variant.
All 680 people who checked in using the QR code to attend the venue from 9pm on Wednesday 8 December to 3am on Thursday 9 December have been assessed as close contacts and must immediately get tested and isolate for 7 days.
NSW Health is appealing for anyone who did not check in using the QR code to also urgently get tested and isolate, and for their friends to ensure other potential attendees are aware of this advice.
Given the high transmission of COVID-19 at the venue, we ask household contacts of anyone who attended to also immediately get tested and isolate until they and the close contact tests negative.
NSW Health is urging everyone of the importance of maintaining COVID-safe practices with transmission occurring at social events during the festive period.
Everyone should remain vigilant when celebrating with family, friends and colleagues and should not attend any social functions if they have any symptoms.
The Omicron variant continues to spread internationally and has been identified in international arrivals to NSW from southern Africa, as well as travellers from other countries.
These people have likely acquired their infections both in their countries of origin and on flights shared with infectious passengers.
All travellers arriving in NSW who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi during the 14-day period before their arrival in NSW must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, irrespective of their vaccination status.
Travellers from all other countries must isolate for 72 hours, avoid high risk settings until after day seven and have a PCR test in the first 24 hours and on day six after arrival. They are also strongly encouraged to get tested 12 days after arrival.
All recent international arrivals must be vigilant for symptoms and isolate and get tested immediately should symptoms develop.
Any passengers arriving from overseas aged 18 years and over who are not fully vaccinated must go directly into 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine.
Penalties for non-compliance with the isolation, testing and quarantine requirements have increased to $5,000 for individuals (from $1,000), and $10,000 for corporations (from $5,000).
If you haven't received a COVID-19 vaccination yet, please don't delay. Even if you have had COVID-19 and recovered, you should get vaccinated.
NSW Health encourages everyone who is eligible to book into a NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.
Across NSW, 94.8 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.1 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Of the people aged 12 to 15, 81.4 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 77.7 per cent are fully vaccinated.
The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 13,034,593, with 4,193,736 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 8,840,857 doses administered by the GP network, pharmacies and other providers to 11.59pm on Saturday 11 December 2021.
Of the 536 cases reported to 8pm last night, 140 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 97 are from Western Sydney LHD, 86 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, 58 are from Sydney LHD, 29 are from Northern NSW LHD, 28 are from Hunter New England LHD, 28 are from Northern Sydney LHD, 20 are from Central Coast LHD, 20 are from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, 14 are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, seven are from Western NSW LHD, four are from Murrumbidgee LHD, one is from Mid North Coast LHD, one is in hotel quarantine and three are yet to be assigned to an LHD.
If you are directed to get tested for COVID‑19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the self-isolation rules.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms it is still important that you have a test and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result.
There are COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.
* to 11.59pm 11 December 2021
* notified from 8pm 11 December 2021 to 8pm 12 December 2021