New South Wales has recorded 6,288 new COVID-19 infections and zero deaths as the state again broke Australia's record for daily coronavirus cases amid concern over the spread of the Omicron variant.
Saturday's figure is a jump on the 5,612 infections reported on Friday, when one death was recorded.
NSW reached another vaccine milestone on Saturday, with 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over having received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
NSW also reported on Saturday that 93.5 per cent of people aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated.
There are currently 388 people in hospital in NSW and 52 people in intensive care.
Meanwhile, Victoria reported 2,108 new cases of COVID-19 and six deaths on Saturday morning, with 361 people in hospital and 71 people in ICU.
Queensland has recorded 765 new infections of COVID-19.
'Cancelled flights, closed borders'
With thousands in isolation after contracting COVID-19 and scores more unable to see loved ones thanks to cancelled flights and closed borders, the 'most wonderful time of the year' is looking grim in New South Wales.
Those still able to celebrate are unlikely to get a normal Christmas Day either, with the number of new infections continuing to skyrocket across the state.
Dozens of Jetstar and Qantas domestic flights out of Sydney were cancelled on Christmas Eve as frontline staff deemed close contacts were forced to get tested and isolate as the virus spreads through the city.
The spiralling outbreak has prompted the government to reintroduce some restrictions that were only wound back on 15 December.
Almost 30,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus in NSW in the days since.
Masks are again required in indoor settings, with hospitality venues to return to the one person per two-square metre rule and QR codes to be compulsory again from Monday.
While no restrictions will impact Christmas gatherings at homes on Saturday, those still able to celebrate are encouraged to take COVID-19 precautions where ever possible.
Revellers should undertake rapid antigen tests before gathering, should prioritise ventilation and should ask elderly visitors to sit outside on the verandah, NSW Health says.
The Northern Territory recorded another 19 COVID-19 cases, including a staff member at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Eight of the new cases are from Tennant Creek and are linked to the current outbreak.
In Western Australia, authorities reported two new local COVID-19 cases since the five local cases were announced yesterday.
Both cases are linked to the man who arrived in Perth from Queensland on 12 December, bringing the total number of locally acquired cases to seven.
