Australian new Covid cases crash to their lowest levels since Christmas

Australia has recorded its lowest number of new Covid-19 cases since Christmas, with just 4,867 positive infections in Victoria and 5,582 in NSW. 

Vic Health confirmed on Sunday morning that 358 people are in hospital – 51 of whom are in ICU and 12 are using ventilators.

Nine people sadly died with the virus overnight, marking a substantial drop since Saturday when there were 6,280 new cases and 20 deaths.

Following a reporting blunder by NSW Health which saw Saturday’s numbers re-published, the state’s health authorities eventually confirmed that 1,280 people are in hospital.

Seventy-seven people are in ICU, and 21 people died within the last 24 hours. 

NSW Health confirmed on Sunday morning that 77 people are in ICU with the virus, as restrictions are eased (pictured: women in Sydney on Saturday)

Despite nine more deaths and a similar number of people in hospital since Saturday, the state’s number of new cases has dropped by 27 per cent overnight – from 7,615.

Indoor dance floors in both states reopened at 6pm on Friday, while density limits at hospitality and entertainment venues were scrapped.

QR code check-in requirements are no longer in place at retail venues or schools, but will remain in hospitality and entertainment settings.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews flagged more changes, with the health minister to consider easing rules around masks and working from home.

Mr Andrews said that update could come as early as next week. 

Sydneysiders flocked to dance floors on Saturday after Covid restrictions were eased (pictured: revellers at Barangaroo on Saturday)

‘We always said these measures wouldn’t be in place for a minute longer than they are needed,’ he said.

‘With hospitalisation numbers decreasing and less pressure on our health system, now is a sensible time to make changes.’

It comes as Mr Andrews revealed his new $200million quarantine hub, which can host up to to 1,000 unvaccinated international travellers. 

The 22-hectare facility in Mickleham, in Melbourne’s north, will officially open on Monday, as Victoria’s embattled hotel quarantine program comes to an end.

Just 10 guests will arrive for their week-long stay on Monday with the hub opening up to full capacity in April. 

There will be single, double and family-sized rooms on offer with three meals provided each day. 

Indoor dance floors in both states reopened at 6pm on Friday, while density limits at hospitality and entertainment venues were scrapped. Pictured: Victorian healthcare workers at a testing centre

The seven-day stay won’t be free with adults having to fork out $1,500. An extra $500 will be paid for a second adult and $250 per child over the age of three.

The hub will also be open to those who are Covid-positive but cannot isolate at home, such as healthcare workers. Additionally, it can be used in the event of a natural disaster. 

In NSW, hotel quarantine for unvaccinated returning travellers will be reduced from 14 days to seven. 

As of February 25, masks will only be required on public transport, in planes and inside airports, hospitals, aged care and disability facilities, jails and indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said masks will be ‘encouraged’ indoors where social distancing is not possible, such as shopping centres, but they will not be mandated.