NSW's daily COVID-19 case tally has almost doubled in a day, with 11,201 new infections and three deaths recorded.
Hospitalisations have risen to 625, up from 557 in the previous reporting period, and there are now 61 patients in intensive care.
The latest figures were taken from more than 157,758 tests and it is the highest number of daily COVID-19 cases recorded in any Australian jurisdiction.
Yesterday, the state recorded 6,062 new cases from 93,581 swabs.
Moruya has a Covid testing clinic that is overrun every day to the point where the queue is declared closed up to seven hours before the cut off time with vehicles lining up as far back as Yarragee Road.
The true figures for how many in the Eurobodalla are now active Covid carriers are unknown due to changes in the reporting elements of NSW Health.
Rapid Test Kits are all but impossible to find as limited restocks are depleted as soon as they are put on shelves.
Federal Member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain says "The health system is currently overloaded; insufficient staff, supplies running out and long wait times. I understand private testing stations will reopen on 4 January 2022 which will help."
Southern NSW Local Health District advise:
"There is high demand for COVID-19 testing across NSW.
Some private pathology clinics have closed because of a significant backlog processing tests in laboratories. This includes the Histopath drive through clinic at Seiffert Oval Queanbeyan. This clinic is now closed until 4 January.
Our hospital testing clinics are prioritising testing for clinically urgent cases. Do not attend a hospital for travel testing.
Please don't call hospital switchboards about testing. For testing information or advice please call the Southern NSW LHD COVID-19 triage hotline on 1800 318 248.
We know this is a stressful time for many people. Thank you for being kind and patient with our staff and each other."
