Covid-19: NSW records 6288 new cases but ICU rates remain stable

The Australian state of New South Wales has recorded 6288 new Covid-19 cases and hit a major vaccination milestone just in time for Christmas.

The state has now reached the 95 per cent single-dose target for those aged 16 years and over.

Chief medical officer Kerry Chant's long held goal for the state has been to reach 95 percent vaccine coverage in order to protect the most vulnerable.

Premier Dominic Perrottet previously said NSW would be "world leading" if the 95 percent target was met and experts said it would be a "real achievement" as it would mean convincing the vaccine hesitant to roll up their sleeves.

Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory are the only Australian jurisdictions so far to achieve 95 percent double-dose coverage.

The double-dose rate for those over 16 in NSW is currently sitting at 93.5 percent.

Hospitalisations for Covid-19 have risen slightly to 388, up from 382 in the previous reporting day.

There are 52 patients in ICU, which is one less than yesterday.

Health authorities in NSW are urging residents to celebrate the festive season outdoors if possible, to minimise the risk from Covid-19.

The department has encouraged people to entertain outside or open windows for better ventilation and avoid sharing utensils during meals.

Anyone with any symptoms was urged to skip celebrations.

Victoria records 2108 new Covid-19 cases, six deaths

Meanwhile, Victoria recorded 2108 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths as the state marks its second Christmas during the pandemic.

The new infections were found from 83,456 test results processed on Thursday.

There are 361 patients in Victorian hospitals with Covid-19, including 71 active cases in intensive care and 42 patients on a ventilator.

The health department said a further 41 people were in intensive care, but their infections had cleared.

There are 17,599 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 669 people have died during the current outbreak.

-ABC