Leaders and health officials explain how to reduce your risk of spreading coronavirus this Christmas

Australia is about to have a Christmas like no other, especially for those in Sydney grappling with the northern beaches COVID-19 outbreak.

While just nine new cases were announced on Christmas Eve, NSW health authorities are drumming home the need to stay safe.

And despite Queensland recording 100 consecutive days without a locally transmitted case, Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young believes the virus is in the community.

Several positive cases in quarantine coupled with strains of the virus found in sewage across Queensland has the state’s top doctor on high alert.

With Santa Claus just hours away, politicians took their final press conference before Christmas Day to outline this year’s dos and don’ts.