NSW Covid fourth wave peak: Covid cases to peak in NSW before Christmas

The peak of NSW’s fourth Covid wave may only be a week away, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says, as transmission of the virus intensifies across the state.

NSW recorded 40,194 new cases in the seven days to Thursday afternoon, with 1,526 people hospitalised with Covid and 40 people in intensive care. Forty-eight people died from the virus over the week.

Dr Chant said the ‘coming week or so’ would be when cases began to decline.

Dr Chant warned people to continue taking personal safety measures against Covid with increased travel and gatherings in the lead up to Christmas (pictured, Sydney airport)

Families and friends should be trying to hold any gatherings in outdoor or well-ventilated spaces, Dr Chant said. 

‘Let’s all keep doing the little things as we head into the festive season,’ she said.

Dr Chant recommended people wear masks in crowded settings and stay home if they were experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

She also encouraged NSW residents to make sure they were up to date with their Covid vaccinations and knew whether they could take antivirals if they contracted the virus.

Dr Chant encouraged people to continue wearing face masks as Covid case numbers continue to rise (pictured, Melbourne shoppers)

‘It is really important to know if you are eligible for antivirals because taking them promptly can keep you out of hospital if you subsequently test positive for Covid,’ she said.

‘Make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations, and for those over 50 this means four doses.’

It comes as the Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship docked in Sydney on Friday morning, with hundreds of positive Covid cases departing the vessel at Circular Quay.

The ship had been classed as a tier 2 Covid risk by the NSW government, meaning it had as many as 100 positive cases per 1,000 people on-board.