SYDNEY – Australia’s highly transmissible Omicron virus caused a surge in coronavirus cases to a new peak Thursday. It overwhelmed Australian hospitals while isolating rules created a labour shortage, putting a strain upon supply chains and businesses.

Australia’s total number of new infections has surpassed the record 64,774 reported a day earlier. Western Australia should post the new cases soon.

Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Canada, faces a Federal Election before May. He is being scrutinized over how he handled the Omicron epidemic.

Australia’s COVID-19 caseload has been kept under control by aggressive lockdowns. However, Australia now suffers from an epidemic rate that is higher than any other country in the Asia-Pacific. Many epidemiologists believe the worst may yet come.

On Thursday, the government cancelled Novak Djokovic’s visa https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-novak-djokovic-denied-entry-australia-seeking-injunction-stop-2022-01-05 to pacify public anger over the decision to give the world tennis number one a medical exemption from vaccination to play at the Australian Open.

Authorities have relaxed testing requirements https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/australias-health-system-under-pressure-covid-19-cases-hit-fresh-records-2022-01-05 and have shortened the quarantine period for asymptomatic close contacts after concerns essential services might become overrun.

The New South Wales government advised firms not to ask staff to be tested for the virus to ease pressure on their businesses.

On Thursday, the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet stated that no one should be forced to take a test. This will require time because… for two years, we’ve been saying that everyone should get tested.

The COVID protocol is causing about half of the truck driver’s to be isolated, which puts Australia’s supply chains under “significant pressure,” according to the union representing transport workers.

There are reports that some supermarkets have empty shelves. Coles Group The Office of the Chief Tender Counsel (OTC) has reintroduced temporarily purchase limits for certain meat products to “help manage demand for important grocery items.” Rival Woolworths acknowledged that there had been delays in stock delivery, but they have ruled out restrictions.