NSW has recorded 560 new COVID-19 infections and three deaths, as the number of daily cases continues to surge.
There is a total of 45 cases of COVID-19 with the Omicron variant in NSW.
It is the highest-daily tally of the Delta variant recorded in NSW since October 9, two days before lockdown lifted.
It is the second day in a row with more than 500 cases.
For the 24 hour period to 8 pm last night;
There were 9 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
- 4 cases from Wollongong Local Government Area
- 3 cases from Shellharbour Local Government Area
- 1 case from Shoalhaven Local Government Area.
Three cases have been reported from the Southern NSW Health District.
There are 107 cases reported for the South Western Sydney Health District, but there is no breakdown for the NSW Southern Highlands.
There are 19 cases from the Hunter New England region.
NSW Health authorities are concerned festive season celebrations are driving the spike in cases and are urging caution.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty said, "The transmission in these types of settings is contributing to the increase in cases in NSW."
"We urge people not to attend any of these social functions or venues if you have any symptoms at all, even if mild," he said.
There are 150 COVID-19 cases in hospital, with 25 people in intensive care.
Image: NSW Health