Another 29 COVID-19 deaths in Victoria and NSW as restrictions set to ease

Another 16 people have died with coronavirus in Victoria overnight – a jump on yesterday's deaths – however the state has recorded a slight dip in infections and hospitalisations.

A total of 9439 new cases were recorded today – down slightly from yesterday's 10,674 – while 428 people remain in hospital with the virus, compared to yesterday's 444.

In New South Wales, 13 people died with COVID-19 overnight and 15,283 infections were recorded, compared to yesterday's 16 deaths and 17, 447 cases respectively.

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Hospitalisations have also slightly dropped across the state, with 1632 being treated for COVID-19 in NSW.

Today's numbers come as a raft of restrictions after lifted across the two states, ushering in the most lax approach to coronavirus safety measures in two years.

From 6pm today, household contacts of a COVID-19 case will not longer be required to isolate in NSW.

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The state will also lift the public health orders requiring key workforces to be vaccinated.

These will instead be based on a risk assessment under occupational health and safety.

The changes to close contact rules will ease labour shortages across hospitality, transport and freight, which have all been stretched due to contacts in isolation.

From April 30, unvaccinated international travellers will no longer be required to do hotel quarantine.

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In Victoria, most COVID-19 restrictions, including household close contact rules, will be lifted by the weekend.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the changes were "important steps" forward and due to the state's "high vaccination rate."

Pubs and cafes will also no longer be required to ensure customers check-in with QR codes to show their vaccination status, allowing unvaccinated patrons to access hospitality services.

Masks will no longer be required in primary schools, early childhood, hospitality and retail settings.