NSW COVID-19 numbers reach levels not seen since December 2022

COVID-19 numbers in New South Wales have risen to levels not seen since the summer peak in December 2022.

The latest NSW Health surveillance report for the fortnight ending January 6 showed people attending hospital for COVID-19 has remained high but cases requiring hospitalisation have declined, suggesting there has been "no increase in severity".

A little under 1200 people presented to the hospital with COVID-19 but just eight per cent were admitted.

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COVID-19 transmission is currently higher than last year's winter peak and is nearing levels not seen since December 2022.

"There's a significant risk that you'll acquire COVID-19, particularly in indoor places," Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

Sewage surveillance showed increases in COVID-19 gene concentrations which indicates high levels of community transmission.

"Currently, the Omicron variants EG.5 and JN.1 appear to be driving the majority of transmission in the community, with JN.1 increasing in prevalence, in line with what we have seen in other countries," Chant said.

"While there is no evidence to suggest these variants cause more severe disease the overall increase in case numbers puts more people, especially vulnerable people, at risk from COVID-19."

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Chant urged Sydneysiders to remain cautious and to stay home if sick.

"Don't visit high-risk settings like hospitals, aged and disability care facilities or people who are at higher risk of severe illness until your symptoms resolve," she said.

If you have to go out then wear a mask, she added.

"You can go out and about for a walk in the park, if you need to go shopping choose a quieter time to go and wear a mask," she said.

Earlier this week NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the current wave of COVID-19 cases is a result of people gathering for Christmas and New Year's.