SYDNEY, Reuters – Australia began 2022 with a record amount of COVID-19 new cases. This was due to an epidemic in eastern states that grew. New South Wales relaxed its isolation rules for health workers and the rise of the virus.

According to health department data, New South Wales and Victoria posted records for daily cases of 22,577 each and 7,442 on Saturday.

The pandemic caused four deaths in New South Wales by COVID and nine in Victoria. That brings the death toll at more than 2,250.

This includes cases in Queensland and Tasmania as well as the Australian Capital Territory. Saturday already had a national record for 33,161 cases. It was higher than Friday’s 32 946 cases.

All Australian states except Western Australia have started to experience the disease, despite higher levels of vaccination. The easing restrictions and increased cases has made it more common.

New South Wales changed its rules regarding self-isolation for healthcare workers with asymptomatic conditions who were previously classified as close contacts in a COVID case. This exemption is available to those considered critically important to the workplace.

New South Wales has seen more than triple the number of cases since Christmas Day. The number of hospitalisations for COVID has more than doubled, to 901 from 388. Meanwhile, the number in ICUs has increased by 50% to 79.

It has had a negative impact on sporting events. Australia cricketer Travis Head will be absent from the Ashes fourth match in Sydney against England after he tested positive for COVID.