Spiralling numbers of COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant has led to state governments in Australia reintroducing pandemic restrictions. As Victorians wake to new density limits in hospitality venues, NSW is reportedly set to shut nightclubs and some major events in response to the variant. The Northern Territory has also implemented a territory-wide lockout for the unvaccinated. It comes as Australia recorded more than 72,000 cases on Thursday, the highest daily number since the pandemic began. Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness, Professor Jane Halton, said the new restrictions were sensible given the rise in infections. “What we are trying to do now is manage this particular variant of the virus, and that means slowing its spread down,” Halton told the Nine Network on Friday. “This is very infectious, we know that, so people are going to have to be prudent for the next several weeks.” Prime Minister …