NSW and Victoria record more than 19,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, 35 lives lost

NSW and Victoria have recorded more than 19,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours as a further 35 lives were lost overnight.

Victoria reported 10,184 new cases, up from 8109 yesterday, and 12 deaths.

NSW recorded 9656, marking an increase from the 7723 reported yesterday. Twenty three people died in the state.

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Hospitalisations have increased in Victoria and declined in NSW.

The figures come as early evidence suggests a new sub-variant of COVID-19, the BA.2.12.1 Omicron strain, is more transmissible.

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Victorian health authorities detected the strain on Friday in a southeast metropolitan Melbourne wastewater catchment.'

There is no evidence to suggest the strain causes more severe disease.

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More to come...