Omicron is s emerging as the dominant variant of Covid-19 as the new year begins. Infection figures remain high across most states and territories as communities adjust to the new rules for close contacts.
It's been several days since the federal government new protocols for Covid-19 testing took effect following a national cabinet meeting.
Close contacts are defined in terms of four hours spent in a household and rapid antigen testing is preferred for anyone who does not have symptoms or does not meet the new contact definition.