'Promising early signs' the latest COVID-19 wave has peaked

The latest Omicron COVID-19 wave sweeping across Australia is showing "promising early signs" that it may have peaked already.

Infectious diseases expert Dr Paul Griffin told Today it looks like the peak may have passed, however, it is still too early to be confident.

"There are still thousands of people in hospital at the moment. Still lots of healthcare staff away as well," he said.

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"We have to remember that even after we do pass this peak, this virus isn't going away."

Griffin hoped the latest virus surge to grip Australia may cause "behavioural change" like regular mask-wearing, re-implementing better hygiene practices and vaccination.

"We should make sure we keep doing those even after we are past this peak," Griffin said.

It comes as hospitalisations and intensive care admissions begin to show signs of trending downwards across Australia.

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In New South Wales, hospitalisations are falling gradually with 2210 admitted on Saturday.

ICU admissions are continuing to rise incrementally day by day in the state.

Victoria is seeing a similar trajectory to NSW with hospitalisations slowly falling over the past week, however, today saw a small rise to 837.

ICU admissions are also falling.

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However, NSW and Victoria recorded more than 100 collective COVID-19-related deaths on Saturday.

There were 46 COVID-19-related deaths in NSW, but authorities said this number included historic deaths.

Victoria also reported a staggering 61 COVID-19-related deaths on Saturday but authorities said these occurred between July 13 and July 28.