NSW has recorded 150 new Covid cases and zero deaths the day after the Omicron variant of concern was confirmed in the state.
NSW has reported 150 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths on Monday.
There are 170 people in hospital with the virus with 25 in intensive care.
It follows the arrival of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant of concern in NSW.
Genomic testing on Sunday confirmed two overseas travellers who returned to Sydney on Saturday have been infected with the new strain, which is circulating in southern African nations.
NSW Health in a statement confirmed the development on Sunday afternoon after earlier noting the two passengers had undergone testing upon arrival and returned positive results for Covid-19.
Both passengers arrived in Sydney from southern Africa on Saturday night.
The two positive cases, who were asymptomatic, were in isolation in the Special Health Accommodation.
Both were fully vaccinated.
The two passengers were among 14 people from southern Africa who arrived on Qatar Airways QR908 flight, Doha to Sydney, which touched down about 7pm.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said ultimately people would need to learn to live alongside the virus and different variants.
“We want to rejoin the world. There are major challenges facing the state. There is a major labour shortage. There are many families and many businesses that depend on international tourism,” he told reporters on Monday.
“The response should not be let shut down … Let’s assess the health impacts and make a decision once (information) comes to light.”
He reiterated his government’s focus on keeping hospitalisations low and vaccination rates high rather than case numbers.
More to come.
Originally published as NSW reports 150 new Covid cases, zero deaths after Omicron arrives
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