The COVID-19 infection count continues to grow in NSW, with 6394 new cases reported in the latest 24-hour period.
Data reported on Sunday shows a new record daily case count and a drop in testing numbers by some 40,000 to 109,545 on Christmas Day.
There were no deaths reported on Sunday, but hospitalisations grew to 458, up from 388 on Saturday. There are 52 people in ICU.
Thousands of people were forced to spend Christmas in isolation on Saturday when the state added 6288 cases.
Health officials said most patients in hospital care are unvaccinated.
Vaccination rates remain stable, with 93.5 per cent of people in NSW aged 16 and over having received at least two doses. In the 12-15 age bracket, 78.3 per cent have had at least two doses.
Premier Dominic Perrottet is visiting Sydney's major vaccination hub at Olympic Park on Sunday when he is expected to again urge more people to get their jabs and boosters.
The spiralling outbreak has for the past week swamped contact tracers and overwhelmed testing sites.
The situation has prompted the government to reintroduce some restrictions that had been wound back on December 15.
Masks are again required in indoor settings, with hospitality venues to return to the one person per two-square metre rule and QR codes to be compulsory again from Monday.
While no restrictions affected Christmas gatherings at homes on Saturday, those still able to celebrate were encouraged to take precautions wherever possible.
Revellers were urged to take rapid antigen tests before gathering, prioritise ventilation and ask elderly visitors to sit outside on verandahs.
NSW is all but guaranteed to reach its goal of 95 per cent vaccination coverage.
© AAP 2021