New South Wales has recorded 18,512 local Covid cases and 29 deaths on Tuesday as Victoria hits 14,836 new infections and 29 deaths.
NSW hospitalisation figures have risen to 2,943 up from 2,816 - as Victoria's hospital numbers also surge from 998 to 1,057.
ICU rates in NSW have taken a big fall from 196 to 183 - and remained the same in Victoria for a consecutive day at 119 - down from 120 on Sunday.
Of the 9,090 positive RATs recorded since 8pm yesterday, 8,242 are from tests taken in the last 7 days, NSW Health stated.
NSW detected 15,091 new cases on Monday, marking a 26 per cent dip on the 20,324 reported on Sunday, and another 24 deaths.
The numbers were the lowest tally recorded so far in 2022, marking 48.9 per cent drop since the same time last week and raising hopes the state had seen its peak.
Meanwhile Victoria reported 11,695 new infections on Monday, a 10.6 per cent drop on the previous 13,091, and 17 deaths.
New South Wales has recorded 18,512 local Covid cases and 29 deaths on Tuesday as Victoria hits 14,836 new infections
NSW detected 15,091 new cases on Monday, marking a 26 per cent dip on the 20,324 reported on Sunday, and another 24 deaths (pictured, a sign notifying customers RAT kits are sold out)
Tuesday's numbers come after one of Australia's most eminent experts claimed NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was right not to plunge the state into a lockdown.
Global health chiefs have said it's now 'endgame' for the pandemic as case rates and hospital numbers stabilise all without the closure of businesses.
NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant, known for fighting for tougher restrictions, says she is 'incredibly optimistic' about the future, exactly two years after the first Covid case was confirmed in Australia.
Experts say Victoria, the ACT and South Australia have also passed their peak while daily infections in Queensland continue to drop, again without locking down.
Mr Perrottet has previously come under fire for refusing to introduce harsh restrictions on Sydney residents after Omicron entered the state in December.
Critics such as 2GB's Ray Hadley has slammed the premier for being 'arrogant' in removing mask mandates on December 15 before quickly returning them.
He also critiqued the state leader's decision to axe hotel quarantine requirements for travellers and doing away with restrictions introduced by his predecessor.
NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant (pictured) said she feels 'incredibly optimistic' about the future exactly two years after Omicron entered the state in December
Professor Catherine Bennett, the chair of epidemiology at Deakin University, told Daily Mail Australia the Omicron strain was so virulent it would spread regardless of whether authorities used a heavy lockdown or lighter restrictions.
Prof. Bennett also said the premier's move to briefly scrap mask rules would not have
