SYDNEY (AP) — Australia’s New South Wales state reported greater than 6,000 new COVID-19 instances on Monday and confirmed its first demise from the omicron variant.
The deadly case was recognized as a person in his 80s who was contaminated at an aged care facility in western Sydney. He was totally vaccinated however had underlying well being circumstances.
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New South Wales, the nation’s most populous state, reported 6,324 new infections Monday, a fall of 70 from the document quantity a day earlier than. There have been 524 individuals in hospitals, together with 55 in intensive care.
New measures got here into drive in New South Wales on Monday, together with limits of 1 particular person per 2 sq. meters (22 sq. toes) in bars and eating places and required “check-ins” with QR codes in hospitality venues.
Well being Minister Brad Hazzard mentioned the state authorities is contemplating lifting the requirement for well being employees to isolate after being uncovered to COVID-19 due to employees shortages.
Victoria state reported 1,999 new instances on Monday with three deaths.
State COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar mentioned Victoria has moved to random genome testing for the omicron variant to raised perceive its unfold.
In the meantime, a Sydney laboratory which on Sunday mentioned 400 individuals who acquired destructive experiences from COVID-19 checks had the truth is examined constructive now says virtually 1,000 others additionally acquired untimely destructive outcomes.
SydPath, primarily based at Sydney’s St. Vincent Hospital, mentioned 995 individuals who had been examined on Dec. 23 and 24 had prematurely acquired destructive outcomes.
“The truth is their true end result had not but been decided,” the pathology service mentioned in an announcement Monday. It mentioned all of the affected individuals have been advised they are going to obtain their correct take a look at outcomes by Monday evening.
“We’re sincerely sorry for this error and acknowledge the numerous impression it has had on these concerned,“ it mentioned.
The laboratory blamed the false negatives on human error, saying the testing system has been below extreme pressure.
“SydPath have put procedures in place to make sure this can’t occur once more,” it mentioned.