The number of people diagnosed with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in New South Wales has risen to 42, as the state records another 420 cases.
The number of cases of the variant increased by eight, as total numbers surged for a second day and it was revealed a trivia night at a Sydney pub has sparked a new cluster of the virus.
Sydney Local Health District said 45 people had been diagnosed with COVID-19 linked to a trivia night at the Oxford Tavern in Petersham on 30 November.
Among them was Chloe Mackenzie who has had three doses of vaccine and told SBS News the pub was "busy" but that COVID-19 checks were in place.
She said: "Everyone was getting checked as they came to the door.
"All the staff were wearing masks, I didn't feel concerned in the moment at all.
"It just felt like 'Yeah, this is a little bit busier than usual but also to be expected at this time of year'.
"I feel really unlucky, especially because I've had my booster and I'm usually quite cautious and risk-averse."
NSW Health has also issued an alert for a night club at Byron Bay on the north coast where thousands of teenagers are celebrating 'schoolies'.
Anyone who was at Woody's Surf Shack Night Club on 30 November, 1 to 3 December between 8pm and 3:30am is being contacted. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated is considered a close contact and anyone who is fully vaccinated is considered a casual contact.
The state also recorded one more death, a fully vaccinated man in his 70s with underlying health conditions from Lake Macquarie who died at Gosford Hospital.
Victoria has reported 1,232 new COVID-19 infections and a further nine deaths, as the state probes another two suspected Omicron variant cases.
The state confirmed its first case of the new variant among a returned international traveller in hotel quarantine on Wednesday.
An attendee at Sunday's Liberal Party state council at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has tested positive for COVID-19.
In an email to members on Wednesday night, Victorian party director Sam McQuestin confirmed the case.
He wrote the health department had deemed the event a "lower risk exposure scenario" and, as such, attendees should monitor for symptoms.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy were among the hundreds of members at the meeting.
Four new cases have been detected in the ACT, one of the lowest daily totals since the Canberra outbreak began in mid-August.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed on Thursday that both Queensland and the Northern Territory reached the 80 per cent milestone on Wednesday.
"Well done to Queensland and the NT! Confirming you've officially hit 80% double dose vaccination, the target in our National Plan," he tweeted on Thursday morning.
"Thank you to everyone who got their jab.
"Please get your booster if you're due and help Australia continue to safely reopen and stay safely open."
With additional reporting by SBS News
