Covid case numbers have surged again in NSW after 44 people contracted the virus at a trivia night in Sydney - but the Premier still insists people should go and party with Christmas looming. Figures released by NSW Health on Thursday morning revealed 420 new cases, with 151 people in hospital after displaying symptoms, while 25 people are in ICU. There was also one death in what was the second consecutive day cases have spiked above 400. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant attributed the spike in daily cases numbers to increased transmission in large venues such as pubs, clubs and parties as people socialise freely again. Despite the concerning rise, Mr Perrottet remains unperturbed, encouraging residents to continue socialising in the festive season. 'I want people to go out and enjoy the best of what Sydney has to offer,' the NSW Premier said. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is calling on residents to go out leading into Christmas despite a rise in Covid cases On Thursday, NSW recorded 420 new Covid cases - the second consecutive day cases have spiked above 400 (pictured, patrons enjoying a night at a Sydney pub recently) Sydney's social scene is on the rise after lockdowns were finally lifted in October after 106 days 'I think it's great people are going out and having a party again, enjoying their Christmas parties, so they should, that's the great aspect of our city. 'As we start to enjoy life again, as we have in the past, people will contract Covid.' A trivia night at an inner-west Sydney pub last month is the source of a new COVID-19 cluster after 44 people were diagnosed with the virus. The pub patrons were diagnosed after the trivia night at the popular Oxford Tavern in Petersham on November 30, Sydney Local Health District said on Wednesday night. Anyone who was there that night is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and self-isolate. Patrons who were fully vaccinated can come out of isolation if they have had a negative test on or after December 6, but will need to have another test on Sunday. NSW Premier's plea to get out and socialise comes after 44 people were diagnosed with the virus, from the Oxford Tavern in Petersham (pictured) after a trivia night on November 30 The outbreak from Sydney's inner-west comes a day after NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant attributed a spike in daily cases numbers to increased transmission from venues such as pubs and clubs as people socialise freely again (pictured, a Covid testing centre in Sydney) 'If you have not been fully vaccinated, please remain in isolation until December 12, and have another test on this date,' the post read. Most of the 403 new cases reported in NSW on Wednesday were in local health districts in metropolitan Sydney. The daily case number rose above 400 for the first time since early October, when many restrictions were eased. NSW Health is also trying to track down 140 people who signed into a Cadman Cruise on Sydney Harbour on December 3, after five cases were linked to the event. At least two are suspected to involve the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Dr Chant said transmission was 'predominantly occurring in vaccinated individuals' who experienced mild symptoms. 'So my key message is don't attend any functions if you have any symptoms, however mild,' she said on Wednesday. Despite the surge in new cases on Wednesday, there were four fewer people in hospital and 25 people in intensive care. Some seven people were on ventilators, two more than the previous day, when there were 28 people in intensive care. None of the 34 people in NSW diagnosed with the Omicron variant has been admitted to hospital, so far. Dr Kerry Chant also had a message for people experiencing symptoms, however mild - don't attend functions leading into Christmas (pictured, a man has his throat and nose swabbed for Covid in Sydney) A tweet from NSW Health encouraging residents to stay Covid safe and to get tested - even if experiencing mild symptoms The NSW Premier also confirmed restrictions for all residents - including the unvaccinated - will ease as planned on December 15. 'We've always said that when we open up that case numbers will rise,' Mr Perrottet said. 'It is unsustainable and untenable for NSW to remain closed. We've always said to the people of our state that when the vaccination rate increases, we will open up, that's exactly what we've done, we're sticking to the plan.' Mr Perrottet added we 'need to live alongside this virus' as well as the variants that come with it. 'The pandemic is not over, we need to make sure we remain safe and the best way to do that is go out and get vaccinated,' he added. What you need to know about Covid cluster in Sydney's inner-west: - Cluster emerged from Oxford Tavern at 1 Canterbury Road, Petersham, between 4pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday, November 30 - Followed a trivia night at the popular watering hole in Sydney's inner-west - 44 people diagnosed with the virus - Anyone who attended pub on November 30 is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and self-isolate Source: NSW Health Advertisement All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility