SYDNEY, Reuters – Australia recorded a record number of deaths on Tuesday due to COVID-19. The outbreak of Omicron variant of highly infected Omicron virus swept through Australia. This was two years after it contracted the coronavirus for the first time.

Although Australia’s States and Territories are refusing to return to the previous lockdowns, New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state extended a mandate for a month. It is an example of how the virus continues disrupting the nation’s response.

This same state had been released from more than three months in hard lockdown and had promised never to go back to social distancing after its population reached a goal of 90% vaccinations. Omicron’s COVID-19 infection and death rates have increased by more than twofold in the past few weeks.

This country had 75 people die the day before. It was less than the 80 deaths it recorded the previous week, but still among the worst pandemics. The majority of deaths occurred in NSW and Victoria. These areas are home to Sydney and Melbourne, and about two-thirds the Australian population.

However, authorities indicated that Omicron’s flare-up appears to have plateaued. They said that although daily case numbers rose from the previous day to a higher level, hospitalisations seem to have stabilized since more Australians received their booster.

South Australia saw five deaths, but had the lowest daily infection rate since January 1, and premier Steven Marshall said that he was “absolutely delighted” with the figure.

“We track exceptionally well.”

Onboard an Australian warship, about two dozen COVID-19 patients were recorded. They were headed to Tonga (coronavirus-free Tonga), which was struck by a huge volcanic eruption on January 15. According to authorities, the ship will continue on its mission safe.