Australia COVID-19 infections hit 1 million as Omicron drives record surge

The rising hospitalisation numbers forced officials to reinstate some restrictions in states, meanwhile staff shortages due to isolation rules or people out sick have hit businesse

Sydney: Australia on Monday (January 10, 2022) surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases, with more than half of them recorded in the past week, as the Omicron variant ripped through most of the country driving up hospitalisation numbers and putting a strain on supply chains.

Having successfully kept a lid on its virus caseload through aggressive lockdowns and tough border controls earlier in the pandemic, Australia is now suffering record infections as the country begins to live with the virus after higher vaccinations.

Australia`s strict border rules are again in focus after authorities cancelled tennis star Novak Djokovic`s visa over questions about his vaccine exemption. His battle to remain in Australia goes before the courts on Monday.