COVID-19 Update: NSW records first known Omicron death as strain on testing system grows

This is your update on the Coronavirus in Australia for 27 December 2021.

Queues for Covid-19 tests at Bondi Beach, Sydney Source: AAP/Mick Tsikas

NSW has recorded its first known Omicron COVID-19 death.
State governments are urging Australians to hold off from presenting at COVID-19 testing sites and emergency departments unless necessary to relieve strain on our healthcare system.
NSW Health encourages PCR testing only for those with COVID-19 symptoms or who have received a directive to do so.
The Victorian Government is considering changes to the current testing regime, seeing some close contacts potentially clear themselves from isolation using rapid antigen testing.
Mandatory QR check-ins return to NSW today alongside new density limits in pubs, restaurants and clubs.
SA Premier Steven Marshall announces further COVID-19 restrictions including changes to venue densities and household visitor numbers.
SA scraps mandatory PCR tests for arrivals to the state.
The Ashes is under threat after four members of England’s touring group test positive to the virus.
New restrictions are in force in the UK as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland attempt to stop rising COVID-19 cases, while England considers ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown.