NSW daily COVID-19 cases surge past 45,000 as nine deaths recorded

COVID-19 cases in New South Wales have surged yet again, reaching a new high of 45,098.

A further nine people have died with the virus, while 1795 people remain in hospital.

There are 145 people in intensive care.

The 45,098 cases were recorded from 116,915 tests, underscoring the ongoing high positive testing rate being seen around the country.

Victoria, meanwhile, has leapfrogged NSW to set a new national record of 51,356 daily cases.

These included at-home positive test results that were recorded earlier in the week but first reported yesterday when Victoria's online form went live.

It comes as renewed restrictions return to NSW.

From today, no singing or dancing will be allowed at hospitality venues, except for performers at weddings.

Most major events across New South Wales will proceed with COVID-safe plans.

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Premier Dominic Perrottet also encouraged people to "minimise mingling where possible" as well as minimise household visits and indoor gatherings.

The new restrictions are in place until January 27, at this stage.

Non-urgent elective surgery will also be postponed until mid-February in a bid to ease pressure on the health system.

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Going forward, people in the state will also be required to report a positive rapid test result through the Service NSW app. An online registration system is set to be available by mid-next week.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said positive rapid antigen test results were now being treated as the same as positive PCR results.

"In this current setting of such high case numbers, if you've got symptoms, and you've got a positive RAT test, then you're a case," she said.

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"We're also saying that if you're a household contact or you have had those high-risk exposures, then also you're positive, you're a case."

NSW recorded a new daily record of 38,625 COVID-19 cases yesterday, though health experts warned the real number is likely to be much higher.