SYDNEY -- Australia's new coronavirus infections rose again on Friday, surpassing 10,000 just days earlier.

Experts believe the explosion is due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, as well as a recent relaxation in restrictions in Sydney and other parts.

Sydney was the site of more than 15,000 new cases. Another 5,000 cases were reported from New South Wales, while nearly 6,000 were confirmed in Victoria, the state with the second-largest city in Melbourne.

Although hospitalizations have increased due to the surge, they have not reached comparable levels as in previous outbreaks. Many cities had plans to continue with New Year's Eve celebrations. This included the iconic fireworks display at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Authorities expected a much smaller number of people than they did in the pre-pandemic years when Sydney was home to as many as 1,000,000 revelers.

Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Canada, remained positive despite rising viral numbers and other natural challenges that the country has faced.

"Despite the pandemic, despite floods and fires in some areas, continued drought in others, cyclones, lockdowns, even plagues, Australia is stronger than it was a year ago. In a New Year's Eve message Morrison stated that Australia is safer.

He stated that "we have one of the lowest deaths and highest COVID vaccination rates anywhere in the world"

Officials in New South Wales reported six deaths and 763 hospitalizations, with 69 of them in intensive care. People have had to wait hours because the state is unable to meet demand for testing.

Dominic Perrottet, the state premier, said that overall the health system was doing well.

He said that while the number of cases is increasing, it's still a far cry from the delta variant. However, the position remains strong. "Our top priority in New South Wales is to ensure the safety of our people and this will be our priority as well as the next phase."