Additional COVID-19 treatment sotrovimab secured as case numbers surge

The ACT has recorded another 514 new COVID-19 cases in the last day from just over 3000 tests conducted.

There are currently 2116 active cases across the territory with just 11 of those being treated in hospital and two in the ICU.

The total number of cases attributed to the outbreak now stands at 5,199.

Long queues at COVID-19 testing clinics across the country have seen the wait times for PCR test results soar. (Diego Fedele/Getty)

Meanwhile, as the Omicron variant rapidly advances across the country, concerns have been expressed over the continual sharp increase in daily case numbers.

Collectively, Australian states have endured case loads in the tens of thousands in recent days, however, some experts have predicted the outbreak’s peak may be over sooner than expected.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said yesterday that numbers could climax relatively soon, in a matter of weeks rather than months.

New South Wales has continued to report case loads of around the 20,000 per day mark. (AP)

In response, the Federal Government has increased supplies of the COVID-19 treatment sotrovimab (a novel monoclonal antibody) with another 46,000 additional doses now secured.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the new doses will help treat moderate to severe conditions of COVID-19 and will add another layer of protection in the fight against the virus.

With New South Wales reporting case loads of around the 20,000 per day mark, all eyes are now on booster shots to weather the Omicron storm.

Scroll down for key numbers and more details from today’s COVID-19 state and territory reports around the country.

NSW continues to lead the country in terms of case numbers, reporting 20,794 new infections today.

Authorities have expressed concern over the number of hospital admissions across the state, which have also taken a sharp rise in recent days.

There are now 1204 people being treated with the virus, 95 of those in the ICU.

Victoria has recorded a sharp jump in COVID-19 cases overnight, reporting a further 8577 new infections today, roughly 1400 more than yesterday’s results.

The state’s hospitals are currently treating 491 people with the virus in hospital, 54 of whom in the intensive care unit.

And while Omicron is the dominant variant in the state, most hospital admissions are suffering from Delta.

Queensland reported a record day in terms of case numbers yesterday, with 3587 new infections announced.

With more hospitalisations expected, elective surgeries have been cancelled. There are 720 healthcare workers currently in isolation, adding to the pressure.

Five people as of yesterday were in the intensive care unit with the virus, among them two pregnant women, one of whom is unvaccinated.

We’ll update the latest Queensland stats as they’re announced.

South Australia has recorded 2298 COVID-19 cases yesterday as the state restricts elective surgery to prepare for more hospitalisations.

Premier Steven Marshall said there were 82 people being treated in hospitals for the virus, with seven in intensive care.

Mr Marshall said the current hospitalisation rate was still within capacity for South Australia’s health system, but the government will suspend some elective surgeries to free up resources.