19,000 Covid cases in NSW, Vic

VICTORIA and NSW have experienced big increases in daily Covid numbers, with the states recording more than 19,000 new cases combined.

NSW recorded 9656 infections in the 24 hours to 4pm on Monday, an increase of 1933 from the day before.

Victoria reported 10,184 new cases, an increase of 2075.

After five Covid-related deaths in each of the past two days, NSW recorded 23 more deaths on Tuesday. Victoria recorded 12 deaths after reporting one death on Monday.

Victoria saw a slight increase in its hospitalisations, while NSW’S number fell.

South Australia has detected its first cases of new Omicron subvariants, sparking concern more people could be reinfected with the virus.

SA Health confirmed international travellers were identified to have carried the BA. 4 and BA. 5 strains into the state.

The two positive cases were previously reported as part of SA’S daily Covid-19 numbers.

The World Health Organisation has currently dubbed the new strains “variants of interest”, not “variants of concern”.

Both BA. 4 and BA. 5 strains have been detected in Victoria and NSW.