On Sunday, Australia's most populous state reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases and a steep increase in hospitalizations, as thousands of individuals sought refuge at home after getting the virus or coming into touch with someone who did.

6,394 new infections were reported in New South Wales, up from 6,288 a day before. Although hospitalizations have trailed behind new conditions, the state's case count has increased significantly over the last two weeks.

Although the Omicron form of the coronavirus causes more than 70% of cases in several Australian jurisdictions, New South Wales does not routinely test for the variant. The state's health minister, Brad Hazzard, indicated Sunday that Omicron is widespread.

"We would anticipate that almost everyone in New South Wales will receive Omicron at some point," Hazzard said. "If we are all going to contract Omicron, the best way to deal with it is to have received all of our vaccinations, including our booster."

Health officials recorded 458 active cases in hospitals throughout the state, significantly increasing from 388 the previous day. In New South Wales, 52 persons were in intensive care.

Victoria, the second most populated state in the country, reported 1,608 new COVID-19 cases and two fatalities on Sunday, with 374 individuals hospitalized, including 77 in intensive care.

More than 30,000 individuals spent Christmas alone in Victoria, unable to celebrate with family or friends. Around half of those reported were active cases which got the illness in the days preceding Christmas.

Doctors and pharmacies in New South Wales have reported a shortage of vaccine doses due to a surge in vaccinations prompted by anxiety about the Omicron variety.