There are now 1795 infected people in the state’s hospitals, up from 1738 on Friday, with 145 people in intensive care, 40 of whom require ventilation.The number of people in intensive care increased by 11 to 145.A total of 116,000 tests were taken on Friday, with the positivity rate now 38.57 per cent.Saturday’s case tally in NSW does not include positive rapid antigen test results, or those who have self-diagnosed and are isolating, meaning the true number of infections is likely far higher than what’s being reported in official figures. Victoria, for example, had its daily case tally jump from 21,728 to 51,356 on Saturday after including RAT results in the official figures for the first time. Several days of positive RAT results were included in that number after the health department web form opened for the first time on Friday, requiring Victorians to record their positive results.NSW’s public health orders will be updated next week to include that requirement.The nine deaths confirmed in Saturday’s update comprise four women and five men aged in their 50s, 70s and 90s.It comes after Premier Dominic Perrottet announced a raft of new restrictions to combat skyrocketing infection rates.The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has heaped pressure on the health system, furloughed staff across various industries and driven mass testing delays.From Saturday, singing and dancing is prohibited in hospitality venues including pubs, clubs, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, entertainment facilities and major recreation facilities.This restriction will not apply to weddings or for students, instructors and performers in those settings.Events being held at venues deemed “high risk” will be examined to ensure they meet Covid-safe requirements, with those considered too risky to be postponed where necessary.Mr Perrottet also announced non-elective surgeries considered non-urgent in the next 365 days will be postponed until mid-February.Vaccination clinics across the state will begin to administer the Pfizer vaccine to children aged five to 11 years from Monday.NSW’s previous daily record for Covid cases on Friday totalled 38,625 infections and 11 deaths.
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