Australia reported at least 23 COVID-19 deaths on Monday, including 18 in Victoria and five in New South Wales (NSW).
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia .
Another COVID-19 stricken cruise has docked in Sydney with nearly 100 positive cases on board. Passengers on the P&O Pacific Explorer can disembark after they return a negative RAT.
Last week, the Coral Princess cruise ship berthed in Sydney with positive cases for a day.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is asking for a shorter isolation period for COVID-19 positive cases suggesting the virus was not going anywhere, and Australia could see repeated waves.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, however, quoting advice from the chief health officer said "now is certainly not the time" to reduce the isolation period. The issue was also discussed during the national cabinet meeting on Saturday.
On Monday, Mr Albanese told 5AA radio that health officials would continue to explore whether the isolation period could be reduced further.
Australia reduced the isolation period from 14 days to seven in December last year.
Many states reported an increased waiting time at emergency departments due to staff shortages and rise in COVID-19 and flu cases.
About 2,700 health workers are currently in isolation due to COVID in NSW.
Victoria plans to deploy additional specialist staff across an initial 12 major hospitals to ease the pressure on the healthcare system.
The state also plans to set up two paediatric GP respiratory clinics to combat the recent surge in cases of COVID-19 and flu, preventing avoidable visits to the emergency department for children experiencing respiratory illness.
Northern Territory has introduced visitor limits and visiting hours requirements at hospitals following a rise in infections and hospitalisations.
Australia has restored the $750 Pandemic Leave Payment until 30 September following the national cabinet on Saturday.
Find a COVID-19 testing clinic
Register your RAT results here, if you're positive