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NSW Health has scaled back contact tracing for close contacts of COVID-19 cases as infections soar in the state.

NSW Health confirmed in today's case numbers that they have changed their approach to contact tracing.

"NSW Health is now prioritising households of cases and settings with vulnerable people where COVID-19 cases may have visited or worked," NSW Health said.

READ MORE: NSW daily COVID-19 cases rocket to over 11,000

Prior to the current surge in cases, NSW Health would contact people exposed to the virus but now people who are positive are directed to tell those they have been in contact with.

"People who have been confirmed as COVID-19 cases are asked to tell those they have recently spent time with that they have tested positive," NSW Health said.

"NSW Health will only contact with a small number of exposed people to direct them into self-isolation under the public health order."

Most people already are aware they have been in contact with a COVID-19 case when notified by friends, colleagues and family, NSW Health added.

READ MORE: Queensland dumps PCR test requirement for visitors from January 1

How do I know if I'm a close contact?

NSW Health is now relying on positive COVID-19 cases to tell anyone they have been in contact with.

Unless it is a high-risk setting where there are vulnerable people including aged care homes or household contacts, NSW Health will not be alerting people exposed to the virus.

People will now need to rely on COVID-19 cases telling them they have been exposed.

What do I do if I'm told by a friend that I've been exposed?

If someone tells you they have COVID-19 and you have been exposed, you should go and get tested if you are displaying symptoms.

The NSW Government is urging people who are not symptomatic or have not been advised by NSW Health not to get a PCR test due to the lengthy testing lines plaguing the state.

"I know there are long queues right across our state, so if we can help with that, if you do not feel unwell, if you are not advised by NSW Health, there is no need to receive a PCR test," Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

"You are taking a spot in the queue from somebody who needs a test."

Mr Perrottet has urged people to get a rapid antigen test if they are concerned.

"The only people getting a PCR should be those who have COVID-19 symptoms; live in a household with a confirmed COVID-19-positive case; or have been in a venue which NSW Health has advised there has been high transmission," NSW Health said.

READ MORE: Rapid antigen test shortages in NSW pharmacies as demand surges

It comes as NSW COVID-19 cases reached a record high today, reporting 11,201 infections in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Three people died with the virus.

Hospitalisations have risen by 68 patients since yesterday, with 625 people in hospital and 61 people in intensive care.

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Victoria has recorded another record high number of new COVID-19 cases as the government has announced it will be distributing millions of free rapid antigen tests.

In the past 24 hours, Victoria recorded 3767 new COVID-19 cases, jumping from 2738 recorded yesterday.

Five additional people have also died as a result of the virus.

READ MORE: Queensland dumps PCR test requirement for visitors from January 1

A further 397 Victorians are being treated in hospital with the virus, up from 361 the day prior.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said today's rise in daily COVID-19 cases in the state was in keeping with the projections forecast by the Doherty Institute.

He said Victorians could expect to see the number of infections continue to rise, as was being seen in New South Wales.

More than 75,000 people came forward to be tested for the virus.

Currently there are 19994 active cases of COVID-19 in Victoria.

https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1475949705897017344

Mr Foley said both the Omicron and Delta strains of the virus were "circulating widely" in the community.

He recommended venues and patrons to stick to seated service and being outside where possible when out.

Mr Foley further said booster shots were going to be critical in flattening the growing curve of COVID-19 infections.

"Victorians have been here before, I'm confident we can do it again," he said.

Free rapid antigen tests on the way to Victorians

Mr Foley said using rapid antigen tests is the way Victorians could have confidence going about their day.

He confirmed the Victorian Government had bought 34 million rapid antigen tests, which would be distributed widely for free, with the first deliveries arriving next week.

"Rapid antigen tests should be free, and we will be making them free," he said.

"Rapid antigen tests should be widely available, and we will be making them widely available.

"That will be part of a process that has fallen to the states. We would much prefer a national approach … failing that, as per usual the states have had to step up."

Mr Foley said the tests were not as effective as PCR tests, but were very valuable.

"They're not the gold standard, but they're increasingly effective."

At least five people positive after attending The Ashes at the MCG

Multiple people have tested positive for COVID-19 on rapid tests, after watching Australia retain The Ashes at the MCG.

At least five people have received positive results on rapid tests after being at the Melbourne sporting venue.

They are now getting PCR tests to confirm if they are infected.

READ MORE: Victorian Government assures public COVID-19 contact tracing data can only be shared in 'life or death matters'

https://twitter.com/IzaStaskowski/status/1475900840363769859

The state recorded 2738 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.

Testing lines continue to grow, with wait times of up to three four hours for a test, and some people not getting results back for five days.

However, the Victorian government is considering an overhaul to its isolation rules, with the potential for home rapid antigen tests to clear people from lengthy quarantine, according to The Age.

READ MORE: Victoria's COVID-19 cases surge but hospitalisations drop

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People in far north Queensland have been warned to prepare for heavy rain and damaging winds as monsoonal falls approach.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the storms were set to reach southern Cape York today, before moving across the Peninsula to reach the Coral Sea tomorrow morning.

Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100-140mm are likely, with isolated falls of up to 180mm along the coast.

LIVE UPDATES: NSW COVID-19 cases hit over 11,000

https://twitter.com/QldFES/status/1475951929091969027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Damaging winds are set to peak at about 110km/hr north of Kowanyama, extending across the northern Peninsular.

And even more destructive winds, topping at 125km/hr, could be driven by thunderstorms north of Cairns.

Flash flooding is possible.

Brisbane is looking at a top of 27C, with possible showers.

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There are flood warnings in place for multiple rivers in NSW, including the Namoi and the Warrego, after ongoing rain.

Sydney has seen minor showers, with a top of 25C today.

Bushfire advice remains in place for parts of Port Hedland, Margaret River, Victoria Plains, and the City of Swan in Western Australia, although as of yesterday the DFES has stated there is no threat to life and homes.

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Temperatures remain high in Perth with a top of 38C for today.

In Melbourne it's sunny, with a top of 24C.

There's rain in Darwin with the possibility of a storm, and a top of 33C.

Adelaide will reach 33C, and Hobart 23C.

In Canberra the day is fine with a maximum of 25C forecast.

Stay up to date with weather warnings at the BoM website.