Health workers administer Covid-19 PCR tests at a drive-through clinic in Sydney
(Picture: AP)Covid-19 cases in Australia surged to record levels as 47,738 new infections were reported on Tuesday.
New South Wales, the most populous state and home to Sydney, remains the epicentre of the pandemic with 20,794 cases recorded.
There were 1,344 people in hospitals, up 140 on the previous day and 78 more than the record previously set in late September.
Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer for New South Wales, urged people to stay away from hospitals unless necessary.
"While we are very well-placed in the global context to manage this case burden, it is important that we all play our part in not placing an unnecessary burden on the health system," she said on Monday.
The new cases were detected from 83,376 tests, a positivity rate of 28 per cent.
Victoria, the second most populous state, reported 14,020 cases on Tuesday, eclipsing the record of 8,577 set on Monday.
There were 702 new cases in Tasmania, 3,246 in South Australia, 926 in the Australian Capital Territory, and 75 in the Northern Territory.
The new numbers mean Australia has passed 500,000 Covid-19 cases.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday rejected calls for the federal government to make rapid antigen tests free, in part to relieve pressure on PCR testing centres.
Australian Medical Association Vice President Chris Moy said large numbers of healthcare workers have been isolating after contracting the virus, making it difficult for remaining workers to provide adequate patient care.
Australia had successfully suppressed infections for much of the pandemic through tough border controls and aggressive test and tracing.
