Masks mandated in NSW hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise in Australia's fourth wave

Masks will once again be mandatory in hospitals across New South Wales as the state goes through an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Infections and hospitalisations are rising across the country as Australia's fourth wave continues to approach its peak.

In New South Wales, confirmed cases rose from 19,800 last week to 27,869 this week, as of 4pm yesterday – a 52 per cent increase – leading to NSW Health mandating masks in hospitals across the state.

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The health body today updated its COVID-19 risk rating to amber, meaning masks will be required in all areas of hospitals and visitor numbers will be monitored.

"Implementing these changes now means that our staff and the community can look forward to the festive season with greater confidence," NSW Health deputy secretary Deb Willcox said.

"Family and loved ones can still spend time with patients, however, we do ask people to please limit the number of visitors coming to see patients at any one time.

"Visitors, as well as staff, will now also need to wear a mask in all areas of a hospital or health service, not just in the patient areas, as was previously the requirement."

EXPLAINED: State-by-state guide to Australia's COVID-19 recommendations

Hospitalisations in the state have also risen week-on-week, from 974 to 1148 - a rise of almost 18 per cent.

Intensive care admissions jumped from 32 to 37 - about 15 per cent up.

Victoria saw daily hospitalisations rise from 274 on a seven-day rolling average to 352.

That's also an increase of just under 18 per cent.

The state reported 20,398 new cases this week, up from 16,636 last week.

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However, the intensive care admissions rolling average for the same period went down a full third, from 12 to eight.

South Australia, too, has recorded an increase in weekly COVID-19 cases.

The state had 8346 new infections this week, up from 6867 last week, and three deaths, which is down from last week's seven.

ACT Health medical advisor Dr Therese Marfori has said the territory expects to see COVID-19 cases increase further in the coming weeks.

This week, cases were up 41 per cent, with 135-175 recorded per day.

Hospitalisations also rose.

Marfori said it was the first time hospitalisations had increased in the ACT since the winter COVID-19 wave in July, though overall admissions were still much lower.

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