New South Wales will reintroduce QR code check-ins and is set to provide free rapid antigen testing kits as it looks to stem the tide of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
The announcement comes after yesterday's national cabinet meeting and as COVID-19 infections continue to soar.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said check-in codes would be reintroduced in most settings including hospitality and retail.
He said check-ins, which were among a raft of measures relaxed on December 15, would assist with contact tracing.
There is no time frame for when businesses are expected to begin complying, but the Premier is scheduled to provide more information later on Thursday.
He stopped short however, of mandating mask wearing, which epidemiologists and medical practitioners had been calling for as a simple way to help contain Omicron until more was known about its transmissibility.
Mr Perrottet says that while masks were currently required in high-risk settings like hospitals, airports and public transport, it was a matter of "personal responsibility".
It is unclear whether he is considering expanding their use to other venues.
Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT have now reintroduced mask wearing indoors.
In a bid to ease the pressure on COVID-19 testing clinics, the government is also exploring options to provide all residents with free rapid antigen testing kits.
People requiring tests for travel and to determine their infection status have been waiting in queues for up to five hours and have experienced long waits for results. Some have been turned away.
Mr Perrottet said the kits would benefit those who did not need to get PCR tests but wanted to do the right thing.
He said they would give people the ability to monitor their own symptoms and the confidence to get on with their lives.
"As we continue to reopen in a safe and measured way, this is all about expanding our arsenal as we learn to live with the virus," Mr Perrottet said.
"People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it."
People will also be encouraged to use the kits before heading to large-scale events and high-risk settings such as aged care homes, pubs, clubs, nightclubs and hospitals.
The Premier envisages the program will operate in a similar way to the United Kingdom's.
"Where people can order rapid antigen testing kits to be mailed out to their homes, as well as being available for free at NSW Health facilities, local GPs and pharmacies," he said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has been instructed to explore options on the best way to proceed.
There were 3,763 new infections in NSW yesterday — the highest recorded in any Australian jurisdiction.
Hospitalisations for COVID-19 were up from 284 in the previous reporting period to 302.
There are currently 40 patients in intensive care, the highest number since November 1.
The state also recorded two deaths.
