Rising Covid cases force some schools in NSW and Victoria to return to remote learning

State governments leave schools to decide on response as Covid outbreaks lead to widespread teacher shortages

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Major staffing shortages have forced schools in New South Wales and Victoria back into remote learning as the new Omicron sub-variant BA.2 sees Covid cases rise.

NSW recorded 23,702 new Covid cases on Friday and seven deaths, with rates of infections in the state highest among those aged 10-19 years old. Victoria recorded 9,244 new cases and nine deaths.