NSW COVID-19 infections climb to record 38,625 as restrictions tipped to return

COVID-19 infections have soared to a record high of 38,625 in New South Wales, with 112,725 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

Eleven more people with coronavirus have died in the state.

Hospitalisations have surged to 1738, with 134 people being treated in ICU.

That's 129 more people in hospital, and three more in the ICU than yesterday.

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Victoria has recorded new 21,728 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths, and has also seen a surge in hospitalisations.

There are now 644 people in hospital with coronavirus. Of those 58 are in intensive care and 24 are on ventilators.

As COVID-19 cases continue to climb, the NSW government is considering pausing elective surgery in a bid to reduce pressure on the hospital system.

But there may be further restrictions on the table that could be signed off on as early as today in a bid to reduce infections, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

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They include the closure of nightclubs, density changes for venues, no more dance floors. Standing drinking may be discouraged and some major events could be paused.

NSW yesterday recorded 34,994 new infections, a slight drop from the record 35,054 infections seen on Wednesday

Six coronavirus-related deaths were recorded. One of the deaths included a double vaccinated man in his 20s who had no underlying health conditions.

The five other people who died were in their 60s, 80s and 90s.

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It's emerged paramedics warned the government "for months" hospitals would face a crisis as COVID-19 cases grow.

"Some of the worst cases we've seen for priority one cases are upwards of four, five and six hours for ambulances to arrive," Australian Paramedics Association Brett Simpson said.

"These cases could be people having heart attacks, strokes and difficulties breathing."

In a bid to reduce a surge in "trivial" 000 calls NSW Ambulance have released a confronting new commercial.

NSW Health has also urged residents to not place "any unnecessary burden on the health system."

Edmonson Park in Sydney's south-west has the highest active case rate in the state with 77 cases per 1000 residents, with a number of beach suburbs clocking in second.

In a bid to reduce pressure on the heath system State Premier Dominic Perrottet yesterday flagged a possible suspension of elective surgeries in the future; a move already taken by Victoria.

"Yes it may happen," Mr Perrottet told 2GB.

"Just like it happened earlier this year and last year

"There's obviously significant pressure on the system."