With COVID-19 cases rising once again New South Wales, the state's health authority is encouraging residents to return to habits from the height of the pandemic to limit the spread of the virus.
NSW Health announced yesterday that cases have risen in the fortnight to November 4, with just over 11 per cent of PCR tests coming back positive.
"COVID-19 activity increased across all indicators... emergency department presentations for COVID-19 increased across most age groups, particularly young children and those aged 65 years and older," it said in its respiratory surveillance report.
As a result of that spike in cases, NSW Health is now urging residents to once again take up "everyday habits" to keep the community safe.
"Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas and be kind to people who choose to wear a mask," it said on X, formerly Twitter.
It also encouraged people to meet outdoors, wash hands regularly, and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, and called on those feeling unwell to stay at home.
"Stay at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms," it said.
"Wear a mask if you need to leave home."
NSW isn't the only state where cases are rising.
Data late last month showed the virus was spreading across the country, with cases increasing about 23 per cent in the week to October 24.
However, there hasn't been a weekly national case numbers update since then, as the federal government has moved to monthly reporting after removing COVID-19 from the Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) list.
"While COVID-19 remains a serious threat to the health of Australians, and requires ongoing vigilance by the public and governments, state and territory health systems are well placed to manage the virus alongside other infectious diseases," Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said in October.
"A focus remains on vaccination, prevention, reducing transmission and management of serious illness, hospitalisations and death.
The latest COVID-19 strain spreading across the world
"The removal of the CDINS declaration will not have any significant impact on the ongoing management of COVID-19 in Australia, given that most of the national coordination and response measures have already ended.
"Targeted surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19 will be maintained through well-established national and sentinel surveillance programs.
"Data and reports on COVID-19 will continue to be published and updated regularly."
