NSW has recorded 25,495 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the 24 hours to 4pm.
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Yesterday, the state reported 22,107 new infections and 17 lives lost.
There are 1345 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 43 in ICU.
Hospitalisation numbers are up on yesterday, when 1326 patients were being cared for with 39 in ICU.
Of the new cases, 15,172 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 10,323 came from PCR testing.
Today's increase in COVID cases comes as figures reported to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee noted the number of daily COVID-19 cases across the country increased by more than 76 per cent between March 11 and March 23, while hospitalisations from the virus rose by almost 25 per cent in the same time period.
However, in the two-week period, deaths were down by seven per cent, and the number of patients in ICU had decreased by five per cent nationally.
In a statement, the committee said the increase was driven by a more transmissible sub-variant of Omicron.
"These trends are aligned with the experience reported internationally," the statement said.
"We also note forecasting which suggests this current wave will peak around mid-April in many jurisdictions."
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The committee also warned of challenges to the country's health system ahead of winter, when a further surge of coronavirus cases is expected.
"These challenges are likely to be offset by increasing population level immunity from vaccination and natural infection and the availability of treatments, which will likely mitigate against high hospital demand," the committee said.
"COVID-19 and influenza-related absenteeism in the health system will likely be significant."
NSW's population aged 16 years and over is 94.6 per cent double vaccinated, while 96 per cent have had their first COVID-19 vaccine shot.
60 per cent have had their third dose of vaccine.
Those aged between 12 and 15 years are 83.4 per cent double vaccinated, while 79.5 per cent have had their first dose.
Of those aged 5 to 11 years old, 49.4 per cent have had their first vaccine dose.
NSW Health will release further details of today's cases at 11am.
- with Australian Associated Press