The Hunter New England regions detected a further 1,259 new cases of COVID-19 overnight. 

The latest infections were identified through 139 positive PCR tests and 1,120 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs). 

Of the 8,201 cases recorded across New South Wales, the Hunter New England Health District once again recorded the highest daily total for a region. 

The hospitalisation figures slightly spiked in the past 24-hours, with 41 locals receiving care in hospital, leaping by five since yesterday. 

There are four people in intensive care units. 

Hunter New England Health reported the death of another resident in the district overnight. 

The latest death for the Hunter was a man in his 80s from the Newcastle local government area. 

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

 

The Hunter New England regions have recorded the highest daily total of cases across New South Wales. 

The state detected 9,690 positive test results overnight, 1304 diagnosed within the Hunter New England alone. 

The new infections were identified through 283 positive PCR tests and 1,021 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). 

There are currently 50 cases in hospitals across the district and two are intensive care units. 

There are currently 2,068 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital across the state, including 132 people in intensive care, 61 of whom require ventilation.

Hunter New England Health confirmed the death of two males overnight. 

They were from the Cessnock and Newcastle local government areas, and in their 70s and 90s respectively. 

NSW Health reported the deaths of 18 people with COVID-19 including12 men and six women.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

A further 12 cases of COVID-9 has been identified in the Hunter New England regions overnight. 

The newly confirmed cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 4,390 - with currently 197 active cases.

It included 6 in the Moree Plains LGA, 4 in Mid-Coast and One in Newcastle and Singleton. 

This is the first case recorded in the Upper Hunter since December 3rd. 

One cases is currently being cared for in hospital.

10 cases are linked and two are unlinked.

Seven were infectious in the community and three were isolating while infectious.

There are two under investigation by health experts. 

A breakdown of today's cases:

6 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 6 from Moree

4 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 2 from Wingham

- 1 from Taree

- 1 from Tuncurry

1 is from Newcastle LGA

- 1 from Mayfield

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Singleton

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Upper Hunter regions have identified a further 125 new cases of COVID-19 overnight. 

The new infections included 59 in Singleton, 34 in the Upper Hunter Shire and 32 in Muswellbrook local government areas.

It follows from the 2,430 new cases diagnosed across the Hunter New England.

There are currently 18,821 active cases in the district, with 99 of those cases being cared for in hospital and 11 in ICU. 

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) confirmed another two individuals passed away overnight in relation to the virus. 

"A man in his 80s from the Lake Macquarie area died at Wyong Hospital.

"He had not received any COVID-19 vaccinations and had underlying health conditions.

"A man in his 70s from the Port Stephens area died at John Hunter Hospital.

"He had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.

"Our sincere condolences go out to their family and friends," a spokesperson from HNEH said.

Of the 2,430 new cases in the Hunter New England:

- 287 are from Newcastle LGA

- 563 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 364 are from Maitland LGA

- 254 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 248 are from Cessnock LGA

- 180 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 170 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 60 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 59 are from Singleton LGA

- 49 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 46 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 34 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 32 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 25 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 16 are from Inverell LGA

- 15 are from Narrabri LGA

- 15 are from Dungog LGA

- 7 are from Walcha LGA

- 4 are from Tenterfield LGA

- 2 are from Glen Innes LGA

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

A further 13 cases of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Hunter New England districts. 

The newly confirmed cases total number since the beginning of the outbreak to 4,403 - with currently 190 active cases.

None of the total active cases is currently being cared for in hospital.

10 cases are linked and two are unlinked, while one is under investigation.

10 were infectious in the community and two were isolating while infectious. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 420 locally acquired infections.

A breakdown of today's figures:

7 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 4 from Taree

- 3 from Purfleet

2 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Bonnells Bay

- 1 from Cardiff

2 are from Newcastle LGA

- 1 from Mayfield

- 1 from Wallsend

1 is from Dungog LGA

- 1 from Martins Creek

1 is from Maitland LGA

- 1 from Bolwarra Heights

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The New South Wales Government has announced 15 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region from 8pm Tuesday night.

The new figures bring the total number of cases in the current outbreak to 145.

10 are in Newcastle LGAs - 8 within Elemore Vale, 1 in New Lambton, 1 in New Lambton Heights and 4 were infectious in the community at the time.

3 are in Lake Macquarie LGAs - 2 in Cardiff, 1 in Barnsley and only 1 was infectious in the community.

2 from Maitland LGAs - 1 in Ashtonfield and 1 in Bolwarra Heights.

All are linked to previously known cases within the region and 1 was associated with the aged care cluster.

This comes after 633 new cases were reported in the state, 475 are under investigation and tragically 3 fatalities. 

For further information, visit the Hunter New England Health Website. 

Image Credits: BlenderTimer, Pixabay

Hunter New England Health confirmed a further 177 new cases of COVID-19 present within the Upper Hunter regions overnight. 

The new infections included 79 in Singleton, 56 in the Upper Hunter Shire and 42 in the Muswellbrook local government areas. 

The 177 cases are in conjunction with the overall total of 1,689 new cases recorded in the Hunter New England in the past 24-hours. 

There are currently 8,675 active cases in the district, 70 of which are being cared for in hospital while six remain in ICU. 

Hunter New England Health also confirmed the death of a Lake Macquarie man overnight.

"Sadly a man in his 70s from the Lake Macquarie area died at John Hunter Hospital.

"He was a resident of the Kilpatrick Court aged care facility in Toronto, where he acquired his infection.

"He had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

"Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends," a Hunter New England Health spokesperson said. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 23, 131 new locally acquired cases. 

1,344 citizens are in hospital across the state and 105 in ICU. 

A breakdown of today's HNE cases:

- 347 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 230 are from Newcastle LGA

- 233 are from Maitland LGA

- 195 are from Cessnock LGA

- 137 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 122 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 94 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 79 are from Singleton LGA

- 56 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 42 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 42 are from Narrabri LGA

- 32 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 27 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 22 are from Dungog LGA

- 10 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 9 are from Inverell LGA

- 7 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 3 are from Gwydir LGA

- 1 is from Uralla LGA

- 1 is from Glen Innes LGA

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

Hunter New England Health District have identified 18 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the past 24-hours. 

It takes the total number in the current outbreak to 310 - with currently 161 active cases.

Five are from Newcastle LGA - two in Mayfield and one in Mayfield West, Elemore Vale and Hamilton South.

Five are from Lake Macquarie LGA - two in Arcadia Vale and one in Balcolyn, Blackhalls Park and Boolaroo.

Four are from Port Stephens LGA - one in Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Anna Bay and Soldiers Point.

Two are from Maitland LGA - both in Tenambit.

Two are from Cessnock LGA - one in Greta and one in Weston.

Nine of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital, while zero are in ICU.

Eight of the cases are linked, two remain unlinked and eight are under investigation by health experts.

Two were isolating in their infectious period and eight were infectious in the community.

There are 546 close contacts across the Hunter in isolation.

For further information visit theHunter New England Health Website.

 

There are currently 20 active cases of COVID-19 across the Hunter New England Health District,  with seven new cases appearing in the last 24 hours. 

One case appeared in Armidale -  a female teenager who is a family household contact for the two recorded in the region.

One  linked to the Central Coast case - a young female who attends Morisset High School and is the second person connected to this outbreak.

Two cases are associated with the University of Newcastle - a young adult female and a male in his twenties. 

Two connected to the Blacksmith Beach cluster gathering - one male in his twenties and another young adult male.

A male in his thirties from Raymond Terrace has also tested positive to the virus, the source of his infection is still under investigation. 

There has also been a very low detection in a male in his 40s working at Boggabri coal mines. 

New restrictions were also announced for the Armidale Regional LGA, including the towns of Armidale and Guyra. These stay-at-home orders remain effective until Sunday August 15 and apply to residents of the area or have visited on or after July 29. 

Meanwhile, new exposure site updates have also been listed for Tamworth and Newcastle in the last 10 hours. 

People who have visited Inland Café, Tamworth on Thursday 5 August from 9:15am – 10:00am, Tudor Hotel, Tamworth on Thursday 5 August from 11:00am – 11:40am, Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant, The Junction any time from Saturday 31 July to Thursday 5 August and Mr Rice Takeaway, Cooks Hill on Wednesday 4 August from 3:00pm – 3:20pm are considered close contacts.

While those who attended Gloria Jeans Coffee, Tamworth (1/369 Peel Street) on Thursday 5 August 9:15am – 9:20am, Super Vape Store, Tamworth on Thursday 5 August from 10:55am – 11:05am and Ampol Roadhouse, Hillvue (502 Goonoo Goonoo Road) on Thursday 5 August from 12:25pm – 12:30pm are considered casual contacts.

 Image Credit: Geralt Pixabay, and Hunter New England Health

 

There were 40 infectious cases of COVID-19 present within the community over the last 24-hours. 

It follows from the Hunter New England Health data which confirmed 59 new cases were identified. 

It means 67 percent of the cases were out within the regions while 15 were in isolation.

One case was recorded within the Upper Hunter, located in Singleton. 

The new cases take the overall total in the current outbreak to 2,680 - with 924  currently active cases.

27 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and six are in ICU.

46 cases are linked, 9 are unlinked, and  four are still under investigation.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 294 locally acquired cases.

A breakdown of today's case:

19 are from Newcastle LGA

- 4 from Elermore Vale

- 3 from Maryland

- 2 from Carrington

- 2 from Jesmond

- 2 from Mayfield

- 1 from Hamilton South

- 1 from Islington

- 1 from Mayfield West

- 1 from Merewether

- 1 from The Hill

- 1 from Tighes Hill

16 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 5 from Bolton Point

- 3 from Windale

- 1 from Belmont South

- 1 from Blacksmiths

- 1 from Cardiff

- 1 from Cardiff South

- 1 from Carey Bay

- 1 from Charlestown

- 1 from Gateshead

- 1 from Morisset

7 are from Cessnock LGA

- 2 from Mulbring

- 1 from Cessnock

- 1 from Cliftleigh

- 1 from Kurri Kurri

- 1 from Millfield

- 1 from Weston

6 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 5 from Raymond Terrace

- 1 from Tomago

4 are from Maitland LGA

- 2 from Thornton

- 1 from Gillieston Heights

- 1 from Rutherford

2 are from Armidale LGA

- 2 from Armidale

1 is from MidCoast LGA

- 1 from Harrington

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Singleton

1 is from Dungog LGA

- 1 from Clarence Town

1 is from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 1 from Hillvue

1 is from Moree Plains LGA

- 1 from Moree

For further information visit Hunter New England Healthwebsite.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

The Hunter New England regions have recorded 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24-hours.

The new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 4,086 - there are currently 698 active cases.

12 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are in ICU.

35 cases are linked, four are unlinked and one is still under investigation.

19 were infectious in the community, 20 were isolating while infectious and one is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 216 locally acquired cases overnight.

A breakdown of today's figures:

15 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 9 from Taree

- 3 from Wingham

- 1 from Tinonee

- 1 from Tuncurry

- 1 from Chatham

13 are from Inverell LGA

- 11 from Inverell

- 2 from Tingha

7 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 6 from Moree

- 1 from Boggabilla

2 are from Tamworth LGA

- 1 from Moonbi

- 1 from Tamworth

1 is from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Speers Point

1 is from Newcastle LGA

- 1 from North Lambton

1 is from Maitland LGA

- 1 from Rutherford

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A further 44 cases of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Hunter New England Health regions.

The new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 3,993 - with currently 758 active cases.

14 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are currently in ICU.

32 cases are linked, 10 are unlinked, two are still under investigation.

32 were infectious in the community, 10 were isolating while infectious and two are under investigation by health experts. 

There are no reported cases in the Upper Hunter. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 231 locally acquired cases overnight.

A breakdown of today's cases:

19 are from MidCoast

- 8 from Taree

- 6 from Wingham

- 2 from Forster

- 1 from Bootawa

- 1 from Green Point

- 1 from Old Bar

7 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Birmingham Gardens

- 2 from Waratah

- 1 from Maryland

- 1 from North Lambton

6 are from Tamworth LGA

- 4 from Tamworth

- 1 from Moonbi

- 1 from South Tamworth

4 are from Cessnock LGA

- 4 from Abermain

3 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Belmont North

- 1 from Cameron Park

- 1 from Windale

2 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 1 from Glen Oak

- 1 from Lemon Tree Passage

1 is from Inverell LGA

- 1 from Tingha

1 is from Maitland LGA

- 1 from Rutherford

1 is from Moree Plains LGA

- 1 from Boggabilla

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

The Hunter New England Health District has identified a further 46 cases of COVID-19 including one in the Upper Hunter. 

It was located in the Singleton local government area within Darlington. 

The 46 new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 3,653 - with currently 845 active cases.

18 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are currently in ICU.

37 cases are linked, 6 are unlinked and three are still under investigation.

27 were infectious in the community, 16 were isolating while infectious and three are still under investigation.

A breakdown of today's figures: 

11 are from Cessnock LGA

- 7 from Cessnock

- 3 from Abermain

- 1 from North Rothbury

9 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 2 from Teralba

- 2 from Windale

- 1 from Blackalls Park

- 1 from Caves Beach

- 1 from Fennell Bay

- 1 from Tingira Heights

- 1 from West Wallsend

8 are from Tamworth LGA

- 4 from Tamworth

- 2 from West Tamworth

- 1 from Hillvue

- 1 from Oxley Vale

6 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Mayfield

- 1 from Georgetown

- 1 from Merewether

- 1 from Wickham

6 are from MidCoast LGA

- 3 from Taree

- 1 from Forster

- 1 from Purfleet

- 1 from Tinonee

2 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 2 from Moree

2 are from Inverell LGA

- 2 from Tingha

1 is from Port Stephens LGA

- 1 from Medowie

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Darlington

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A further 49 new cases of COVID-19 has been identified within the Upper Hunter regions. 

The Singleton local government area recorded the highest number of infections at 23, Muswellbrook following at 16 and the Upper Hunter Shire with ten. 

The Hunter New England regions as a whole diagnosed 708 new cases overnight.

There are 8159 active cases in the district with 25 of those infections being cared for in hospital and one is in ICU.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded a high of 12,226 locally acquired cases.

Of the 708 new cases in the Hunter New England:

- 194 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 153 are from Newcastle LGA

- 97 are from Maitland LGA

- 58 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 48 are from Cessnock LGA

- 39 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 30 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 23 are from Singleton LGA

- 17 are from Narrabri LGA

- 16 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 10 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 6 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 4 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 4 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 3 are from Dungog LGA

- 2 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 2 are from Gwydir LGA

- 1 is from Glen Innes LGA

- 1 is from Tenterfield LGA

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Upper Hunter has recorded a further 67 new infections of COVID-19 throughout the regions in the past 24-hours. 

The new cases included 38 in Singleton, 17 in Muswellbrook and 12 in the Upper Hunter Shire local government areas. 

Hunter New England in total saw a high of 2,491 daily case numbers. 

Of the new infections, Lake Macquarie recorded the most with 558, while the Newcastle LGA followed in suit at 465. 

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) also confirmed the death of another Hunter man overnight. 

"Sadly, we’re reporting the death of a man in his 60s from the Cessnock area.

"Our  sincere condolences go out to his family and friends," a HNEH spokesperson said. 

Anyone who tests positive using a RAT is now required to register their result with  Service NSW via the website or app under a Public Health Order.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said registering an  RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home, to connect high risk people to clinical care  services and to help inform the ongoing public health response.  

"We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible to help protect  themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of  COVID-19.

"People aged 18 years and over are eligible for a booster vaccination if  they had their second dose at least four months ago," he said.

A breakdown of today's cases:

• 558 from Lake Macquarie LGA
• 465 from Newcastle LGA
• 301 from Maitland LGA
• 234 from Port Stephens LGA
• 220 from Cessnock LGA
• 175 from Mid Coast LGA
• 142 from Tamworth Reg. LGA
• 105 from Armidale LGA
• 64 from Inverell LGA
• 40 from Moree Plains LGA
• 38 from Singleton LGA
• 27 from Narrabri LGA
• 26 from Gunnedah LGA
• 17 from Muswellbrook LGA
• 17 from Tenterfield LGA
• 14 from Walcha LGA
• 13 from Glen Innes Severn LGA
• 12 from Upper Hunter LGA
• 11 from Dungog LGA
• 10 from Liverpool Plains LGA
• 2 from Uralla LGA

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The Hunter New England Health District has identified 74 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24-hours. 

It takes the total number in the current outbreak to 2,429 - with currently 940 active cases. 

Of the active infections, 23 are currently being cared for in hospital and there are three in ICU. 

35 are linked, nine are unlinked, and 30 are still under investigation.

30 were infectious in the community, 14 were isolating while infectious.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 372 new locally acquired cases. 

A breakdown of today's cases:

23 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Elermore Vale

- 3 from Hamilton

- 3 from Hamilton South

- 3 from Jesmond

- 2 from New Lambton Heights

- 2 from Wallsend

- 1 from Adamstown

- 1 from Birmingham Gardens

- 1 from Mayfield West

- 1 from Merewether

- 1 from North Lambton

- 1 from Tarro

- 1 from The Hill

15 are from Maitland LGA

- 6 from Rutherford

- 4 from Metford

- 3 from Woodberry

- 1 from Lorn

- 1 from Thornton

12 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 2 from Dudley

- 2 from Macquarie Hills

- 1 from Belmont North

- 1 from Bolton Point

- 1 from Cardiff South

- 1 from Gateshead

- 1 from Pelican

- 1 from West Wallsend

- 1 from Windale

- 1 from Wyee

9 are from Cessnock LGA

- 8 from Cessnock

- 1 from Kurri Kurri

8 are from MidCoast LGA

- 4 from Taree

- 1 from Cundletown

- 1 from Killabakh

- 1 from Purfleet

- 1 from Hawks Nest

4 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 2 from Raymond Terrace

- 1 from Williamtown

- 1 from Karuah

3 is from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 1 from East Tamworth

- 1 from South Tamworth

- 1 from West Tamworth

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A further 83 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed within the Greater Hunter over the past 24-hours. 

It brings the total number in the current outbreak to 2,811 - with 1,010 active cases. 

The Hunter New England Health District recorded 24 in Newcastle, 20 in Cessnock, 11 in Port Stephens, seven in Lake Macquarie, six in Maitland and Tamworth, five in the Mid-Coast, three in Dungog and one in Armidale. 

There are no new cases identified within the Upper Hunter regions.

23 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and five are in ICU. 

47 were infectious while out in the community, 30 were isolating during their infectious period and six remain under investigation by health experts. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 304 locally acquired cases overnight.

A breakdown of today's figures:

24 are from Newcastle LGA

- 7 from Carrington

- 6 from Mayfield

- 4 from Wallsend

- 3 from Mayfield East

- 1 from Adamstown Heights

- 1 from Black Hill

- 1 from Merewether

- 1 from Waratah

20 are from Cessnock LGA

- 12 from Kurri Kurri

- 5 Cessnock

- 2 Weston

- 1 Bellbird Heights

11 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 10 from Raymond Terrace

- 1 Nelson Bay

7 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Cardiff South

- 1 from Charlestown

- 1 from Jewells

- 1 from Macquarie Hills

- 1 from Morisset

- 1 from Toronto

- 1 from Windale

6 are from Maitland LGA

- 2 from Rutherford

- 1 from Ashtonfield

- 1 from Morpeth

- 1 from Windella

- 1 from Woodberry

6 are from Tamworth LGA

- 4 from Tamworth

- 1 from South Tamworth

- 1 from West Tamworth

5 are from Mid-Coast LGA

- 4 from Taree

- 1 from Forster

3 are from Dungog LGA

- 3 from Martins Creek

1 is from Armidale LGA

- 1 from Armidale

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/Vaccination_by_postcode.

To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 30 confirmed COVID-19 int he past 24-hours.

The new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 4,176 - there are currently 625 active cases.

10 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are currently in ICU.

22 cases are linked, five  are unlinked and three are under investigation.

12 were infectious in the community, 15 were isolating while infectious and three are under investigation by health authorities. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 180 locally acquired cases overnight. 

A breakdown of today's COVID-19 figures:

11 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 11 from Moree

8 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 4 from Taree

- 1 from Wingham

- 1 from Cedar Party

- 1 from Krambach

- 1 from Old Bar

7 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Jesmond

- 1 from Mayfield

- 1 from New Lambton Heights

- 1 from Wallsend

- 1 from Waratah West

2 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Cameron Park

- 1 from Macquarie Hills

1 is from Narrabri LGA

- 1 from Narrabri

1 is from Port Stephens LGA

- 1 from Nelson Bay

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A further 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19 has been identified in Hunter New England Health regions.

The new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 3,949 - with currently 762 active cases.

12 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are currently in ICU.

42 cases are linked, eight are unlinked and four are still under investigation.

27 were infectious in the community, 23 were isolating while infectious and four are still under investigation by health experts.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 212 locally acquired cases overnight.

A breakdown of today's cases:

15 are from MidCoast

- 8 from Taree

- 2 from Forster

- 2 from Wingham

- 1 from Cedar Party

- 1 from Rainbow Flat

- 1 from Wherrol Flat

9 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Maryland

- 2 from Hamilton South

- 2 from Jesmond

- 1 from Fletcher

- 1 from Waratah

7 are from Inverell LGA

- 4 from Inverell

- 3 from Tingha

6 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 3 from Cameron Park

- 3 from Rathmines

5 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 3 from Tamworth

- 2 from Moonbi

4 are from Maitland LGA

- 4 from Gillieston Heights

4 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 4 from Glen Oak

3 are from Cessnock LGA

- 1 from Kurri Kurri

- 1 from Neath

- 1 from North Rothbury

1 is from Moree Plains LGA

- 1 from Moree

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Hunter New England regions have recorded a further 660 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24-hours. 

The newly diagnosed cases take the total number of active cases in the districts to 4,368. 

There are 17 cases currently in hospital and three in ICU. 

The Upper Hunter spiked again with 25 new infections identified overnight. 

It includes 16 in Singleton, five in Muswellbrook and four in the Upper Hunter Shire local government area.

Hunter New England Health Chief Health Officer Dr David Durrheim said the Omicron variant has really taken off in the Hunter New England area particularly in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens LGAs.

Of the 660 new cases, Newcastle's local government area recorded 294 and Lake Macquarie behind with 220 new infections.

"Almost every suburb has been affected and we all really need to consider the virus is around us and take appropriate action to keep ourselves and our families safe," Dr Durrheim said.

Hunter New England are urging residents to continue following the best COVID-safe protocols in the lead up to Christmas Day.

"We want this to be as safe a Christmas as possible and what does that mean? Well mask wearing is a very good idea. 

"Every one of us that goes into a situation where we can't distance effectively from others particularly in an indoor environment should be wearing a mask. 

"We know this in addition to the vaccination is an important protection," Dr Durrheim said. 

Hunter New England Health are asking anyone who is yet to receive their vaccination to do so and book in for a booster if eligible. 

Walk in appointments, including for boosters are available at the Belmont Hub for all people who received their second vaccination more than 5 months ago.

"Booster doses are very important particularly if you are five months or further from your second dose. 

"The booster provides a very big jump in protection against clinical illness and we encourage everyone whose due for a booster - get boostered," Dr Durrheim said.

Although testing numbers have skyrocketed over the past week, Hunter New England Health are advising those with the slightest of symptoms to continue getting tested.

"We do not want to take the virus into high risk situations or expose loved ones who may be immune compromised, elderly or be at greater risk for severe disease to the virus.

"If you have symptoms, please get tested," he said.

Meanwhile, New South Wale recorded 2,501 new locally acquired cases overnight.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A further two cases of COVID-19 was identified within the Upper Hunter regions. 

The new infections were reported in Singleton's local government area within Darlington and Hunterview. 

It follows after 54 new cases were recorded across the Hunter New England district. 

It brings the total number in the current outbreak to 2,944 - with currently 856 active cases. 

17 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and  there are four in ICU.

39 cases are linked and nine were unlinked.

36 were infectious in the community, 12 were isolating while infectious and six are still under investigation.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 268 locally acquired cases overnight. 

A breakdown of today's cases:

15 are from Newcastle LGA

- 4 from Hamilton South

- 3 from Wallsend

- 2 from Mayfield

- 2 from New Lambton

- 1 from Adamstown

- 1 from Carrington

- 1 from Islington

- 1 from Merewether

10 are from MidCoast LGA

- 5 from Taree

- 2 from Forster

- 2 from Tuncurry

- 1 from Tea Gardens

7 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Jewells

- 1 from Morisset

- 1 from Mount Hutton

- 1 from Redhead

- 1 from Swansea

- 1 from West Wallsend

- 1 from Windale

6 are from Cessnock LGA

- 2 from Kearsley

- 1 from Cessnock

- 1 from Greta

- 1 from Kurri Kurri

- 1 from Neath

6 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 5 from Tamworth

- 1 from West Tamworth

4 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 2 from Raymond Terrace

- 1 from Anna Bay

- 1 from Heatherbrae

3 are from Maitland LGA

- 1 from Bolwarra Heights

- 1 from Chisholm

- 1 from Rosebrook

2 are from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Darlington

- 1 from Hunterview

 1 is from Armidale Regional LGA

- 1 from Armidale

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/Vaccination_by_postcode.

To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A new case of coronavirus has been identified in the Upper Hunter regions in the past 24-hours. 

It was located in the Singleton local government area in Hunterview. 

It follows after 79 new infections were recorded across the Hunter New England Health District. 

The additional cases bring the total number in the current outbreak to 2,890 - with 838 active cases. 

The other infections included 18 in Lake Macquarie, 17 in Newcastle, 11 in Tamworth, eight in Port Stephens, seven in Maitland, six in Cessnock, five in the Mid-Coast, two in Dungog and Moree, and one in Armidale and Tenterfield. 

21 of the total active cases are being cared for in hospital and four are currently in ICU.

51 cases are linked, 14 are unlinked and 14 are still under investigation.

41 were infectious in the community and 24 were isolating while infectious.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 293 locally acquired cases. 

A breakdown of today's figures:

18 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 3 from Belmont North

- 3 from Valentine

- 2 from Toronto

- 1 from Windale

- 1 from Cameron Park

- 1 from Cardiff

- 1 from Morisset

- 1 from Swansea

- 1 from Tingira Heights

- 1 from Warners Bay

- 1 from Whitebridge

- 1 from Gateshead

17 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Mayfield

- 3 from North Lambton

- 2 from Elermore Vale

- 2 from Hamilton South

- 1 from Carrington

- 1 from Georgetown

- 1 from Maryville

- 1 from New Lambton

- 1 from Newcastle East

- 1 from The Hill

- 1 from Wallsend

11 are from Tamworth LGA

- 4 from East Tamworth

- 2 from South Tamworth

- 2 from West Tamworth

- 1 from Oxley Vale

- 1 from Tamworth

- 1 from Warral

8 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 5 from Raymond Terrace

- 1 from Mallabula

- 1 from Soldiers Point

- 1 from Tanilba Bay

7 are from Maitland LGA

- 4 from Woodberry

- 1 from East Maitland

- 1 from Maitland

- 1 from Tenambit

6 are from Cessnock LGA

- 3 from Kurri Kurri

- 2 from Cessnock

- 1 from Aberdare

5 are from Mid-Coast LGA

- 2 from Chatham

- 1 from Harrington

- 1 from Old Bar

- 1 from Taree

2 are from Dungog LGA

- 1 from Martins Creek

- 1 from Clarence Town

2 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 2 from Moree

1 is from Armidale Regional LGA

- 1 from Armidale

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Hunterview

1 is from Tenterfield LGA

- 1 from Woodside

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/Vaccination_by_postcode.

To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

A positive case was identified in today's Coronavirus figures in Tamworth overnight.

It comes as there were 24 newly confirmed cases in total across the Hunter New England Health District.

11 were from Newcastle - Three in Shortland, two in Newcastle East, and one in Elermore Vale, Wallsend, Bar Beach, Waratah, Birmingham Gardens and Carrington.

Seven in Lake Macquarie - Two in Morisset, 2 in Edgeworth, and one in Arcadia Vale, Toronto and Dora Creek.

Three in Maitland - One in Rutherford, East Maitland and Thornton

One in Port Stephens - located in Tanilba Bay

One in Tamworth - located in Tamworth. 

It brings the total number in the current outbreak to 458 - with 291 active cases.

15 were infectious while in the community, eight were isolating and one remains under investigation by health authorities.

17 are linked to known sources, one is unlinked and six require further investigations.

13 of the total active cases are in hospital and two remain in ICU.

There are 742 close contacts in isolation across the regions.

New South Wales recorded 935 new locally acquired cases overnight.

There were tragically four deaths.

The Hunter New England has recorded 2,961 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24-hours. 

Of the newly confirmed infections, 137 were identified in the Upper Hunter regions. 

It included 97 in Singleton, 22 in Muswellbrook and 18 in the Upper Hunter Shire.

There are 11,422 active cases throughout the overall district.

71 active cases are being cared for in hospitals and five are currently in ICU.

New South Wales leaped into a new thousands threshold after recording 35,054 new locally acquired cases.

There are 1,491 people in hospital across the state and 119 in ICU. 

NSW Health is reporting the deaths of eight people with COVID-19, six men and two women.

Of the 2,961 new cases in the Hunter New England:

- 704 are from Newcastle LGA

- 684 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 450 are from Maitland LGA

- 223 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 213 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 163 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 135 are from Cessnock LGA

- 97 are from Singleton LGA

- 91 are from Narrabri LGA

- 71 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 29 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 22 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 20 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 19 are from Dungog LGA

- 18 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 9 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 3 are from Walcha LGA

- 5 are from Uralla LGA

- 2 are from Gwydir LGA

- 2 are from Inverell LGA

- 1 is from Glen Innes LGA

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

A further four people in the Hunter New England regions passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed the latest deaths included four men from the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Midcoast and Tamworth regions.

Three were aged in their 80s and one was aged in their 90s.

There is currently 108 infections being cared for in hospital across the regions while seven are in intensive care. 

It follows as a further 1,035 new cases of COVID-19 was reported throughout the districts in the past 24-hours. 

New South Wales identified 29,830 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 13,763 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 16,067 positive PCR tests.

Of the 13,763 positive RAT results, 11,564 of these positive tests were from the previous seven days.

There are currently 2,850 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 209 people in intensive care, 63 of whom require ventilation.

New South Wales recorded its highest daily deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. 

It included the deaths of 36 people including 22 men and 14 women.

One person was aged in their 40s, two people were aged in their 50s, one person was aged in their 60s, 11 people were in their 70s, 12 people were in their 80s and nine people were in their 90s.

Of the 36 people who died, 33 people had received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and three people were not vaccinated.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The Singleton LGA now has confirmed case of COVID-19 which was infectious while in the community. 

It comes as the Hunter New England Health District revealed 13 new cases in the past 24-hours.

The Singleton is currently under investigation and not linked to any known infections. 

The other eight were in Port Stephens - located in Anna Bay, Fingal Bay, Fern Bae, Heatherbrae, Nelson Bay, Soldiers Point and Shaol Bay.

The other four were from Lake Macquarie - located in Wyee Point and Murrays Beach.

10 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital. 0 are in ICU.

Eight of the cases are linked, while seven were infectious in the community, with two under investigation.

There are 485 close contacts are in isolation.

 

Upper Hunter, Singleton and Muswellbrook LGAs will remain in lockdown despite some parts of the state easing restrictions.

Lower Hunter regions including Newcastle, Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens will also continue following the stay-at-home orders.

Parts of regional NSW currently deemed low risk and which have seen zero COVID cases for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown but will continue to operate under restrictions to ensure the safety of regional communities.

It follows from the 12 new confirmed cases that appeared within the Hunter New England Health District overnight. 

Four were in the Port Stephens LGA, four in Newcastle, three in Lake Macquarie and one in the Maitland. 

A spokesperson from Hunter England Health has confirmed the Maitland case belong to the Cessnock LGA and will be re-issued. 

The individual is from Hedden Greta but is linked to the Upper Hunter mines outbreak at Mt Pleasant in Muswellbrook.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said regional communities are doing an incredible job following health advice and getting vaccinated which has made the easing of lockdown in some areas possible.

“Today, I can announce that while unfortunately many regional LGAs will remain in lockdown due to COVID case numbers, for other parts of the state, stay-at-home orders will be lifted allowing more freedoms for those communities.

“This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis.

“My strong advice to everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 per cent, restrictions can ease significantly,” Mr Barilaro said.

A full list of the regional LGAs still under lockdown orders:

Stay-at-home orders will remain in place in the following LGAs:

• Bathurst
• Bega
• Blayney
• Bogan
• Bourke
• Brewarrina
• Broken Hill
• Cabonne
• Central Coast
• Central Darling
• Cessnock
• Dubbo
• Dungog
• Eurobodalla
• Forbes
• Gilgandra
• Goulburn Mulwarre
• Kiama
• Lake Macquarie
• Lithgow
• Maitland
• Mid-Coast
• Mid-Western
• Muswellbrook
• Narrabri
• Narromine
• Newcastle
• Orange
• Parkes
• Port Stephens
• Queanbeyan-Palerang
• Shellharbour
• Shoalhaven
• Singleton
• Snowy Monaro
• Upper Hunter
• Walgett
• Wingecarribee

 

Six parents, four women and two men, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the John Hunter Hospital. 

According to Dr Paul Craven, Medical Controller, HNE Health: 

On 26 September 2021, the mother of a newborn baby, who was a patient on the Maternity Ward at John Hunter Hospital, alerted staff to the onset of respiratory symptoms.

The parent was immediately isolated and swabbed for COVID-19, subsequently testing positive.

Following her diagnosis, close and casual contacts on the maternity ward and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at John Hunter Children’s Hospital, where her child is being cared for, were immediately contacted, tested and told to isolate - this included parents and staff.

Since the initial diagnosis, a further five parents have tested positive while in isolation.

All staff were wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while caring for these families and have to date, all tested negative.

The babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit have been assessed as a low-risk for exposure, however, multiple tests have been undertaken, with all babies testing negative for COVID-19.

The babies continue to receive high quality care from our dedicated nursing staff and neonatologists.

Parents in isolation have access to the NICU’s NICView camera system, which allows them to log on and see their baby 24-hours-a-day.

Exposure sites within the facility have been deep cleaned.

The operation of the NICU is unaffected and staff continue to abide by strict COVID-safe protocols.

Parents who are unaffected continue to access the Unit to spend time with their babies.

 

A  truck carrying furniture crashed on the Golden Highway near Gungal early this morning. 

The large vehicle rolled to its side and the two male occupants including a 19-year-old driver were assisted out by a passing motorist. 

Hunter Valley Police District have released a statement overnight confirming the driver was from Blacktown, a current hotspot in Sydney. Inquiries revealed the man did not have a reasonable excuse for travelling to the area and was issued with a $1000 infringement. 

However, the passenger was a man from Stanmore and it was deemed he was not contravening the Public Health Order.

An informant  told Radio Hunter Valley that the person in question admitted to being tested for COVID-19 and not having their results yet. 

The statement from Police Media doesn't say if the man had received test results from his last COVID-test.

Meanwhile, Hunter New England Health have said they cannot provide any further details about the incident but if there is a positive result, they will work with all people involved. 

A spokesperson from Ambulance NSW said the driver and his passenger suffered minor injuries but refused any further medical assistance after treatment at the scene.

 

Tamworth LGA will go into lockdown from 5pm today. 

The new stay-at-home orders follows after a person from Newcastle traveled to the region. 

There are currently a number of exposure sites in Tamworth, however there are no confirmed cases of the virus at present.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian insisted this is a precautionary measure. 

Meanwhile, there are 283 new cases across New South Wales, with 64 infectious in the community. 

There was one fatality recorded today - a woman in her nineties. 

For all of the full details head to the NSW Health Website for venues of concerns and regulations around the stay-at-home order. 

Image Credit: Tumisu, Pixabay

 

 

The National Cabinet have met once again to discuss significant changes around the definition of close contacts and confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

Before the definitions to what constitutes an individual as a close or confirmed case was dependent to the state or territory, but the governments have aligned to take a uniform approach.

The new definitions have come into effect in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the the ACT as of midnight.

Tasmania will follow on the 1st of January, and the Northern Territory and Western Australia will be making announcements at a later point. 

The National Cabinet have agreed the definition of a close contact is a household contact or household-like of a confirmed case only.

"A household contact is someone who lives with a case or has spent more than four hours with them in a house, accommodation or care facility setting.

"So you're only a close contact if you are effectively living with someone or been in an accommodation setting with someone, more than four hours, with someone who has actually got COVID, not someone who was in contact with someone who's had COVID - It's with someone specifically who has COVID," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

The Nation's leaders also outlined a confirmed case would isolate for seven days from the date alongside new testing measures.

"Someone who actually has COVID, from the date that they took the test, they would have to isolate for seven days and have a negative RAT test - a rapid antigen test - on day six, prior to being able to leave isolation after seven days," the Prime Minister said.

"A close contact that is symptomatic must have a PCR test still.

"If you're symptomatic, and that goes for anyone who is symptomatic, by the way, if you’re symptomatic, then the right test is a PCR test.

"A close contact who is asymptomatic, doesn't have symptoms, must have a rapid antigen test, and if positive, they must then have a PCR test, and in that case, they become a confirmed case and the rules that apply to confirmed cases apply to them.

"Close contacts that return a negative test, they must remain isolated for those seven days because symptoms and other things can present later, and that is seven days from their date of exposure to the person who was a confirmed case and they also will have a rapid antigen test on day six," the Prime Minister said.

Scott Morrison understands the definition changes are different to what residents have grown accustomed to over the pandemic but the new measures are aimed at easing the pressure off the health care system.

"I know this is a bit different to what you've been hearing over the last couple of years. That's the gear change. That's the reset. That's what we need people to really understand.

"I know it's a change from what has been said, but dealing with Delta is very different to dealing with Omicron, and to ensure that our public health systems work as effectively to keep as many people safe as possible, that's why we need to make this change," the Prime Minister said. 

An overview of the changes:

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive rapid antigen test you must have a PCR test.
• Confirmed cases of COVID-19 must isolate for 7 days.
• You will need a negative RAT test on day 6 in order to leave isolation.
• You are only a close contact if you live with or spent more than 4 hours with a confirmed case in a house, accommodation, or care setting.
•  If you are a symptomatic close contact, then you must have a PCR test.
• If you are an asymptomatic close contact, then you must have a RAT test. If it is positive, you must have a PCR test.
• Negative close contacts must isolate for seven days and get a negative RAT test on day 6 to leave isolation.

Image: National Cabinet Press Conference

The 4Cyte COVID-19 testing facility at Alroy Oval in Singleton Heights will remain closed for another week.

The clinic closed their doors on January 3rd due to increase staffing pressures and was meant to reopen by January 9. 

According to 4Cyte Pathology, they will remain temporarily closed until further notice.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said  there has been significant pressure and demands on private companies that have been running the drive through testing clinics.

"Despite our repeated requests, they have not had the resources to stand up the drive through clinics as we have done during the earlier outbreaks.

 "As a result we need to immediately reduce the demand on our testing facilities for urgent and critical health related cases," Mr Layzell said.

The weight of increase pressure has also been felt across hospitals in the Upper Hunter.

Currently, Singleton Hospital is offering COVID-19 tests by appointments only.

Muswellbrook Hospital operates weekdays from 9:30-11:30am, no appointments needed.

While Scone Hospital is operating by appointments only on weekdays from 10am-11am.

Mr Layzell said the shortages come at a time when staffing levels are already stretched due to the necessity to allow our hospital staff to spend time with their families over the holiday period.

"They are mentally and physically exhausted after working hard for the past 2 years keeping us safe.

"We cannot deny them the time to recharge themselves for the challenges ahead," Mr Layzell said.

To ease pressure on testing clinics, residents are encouraged to only get a PCR  test if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, are a household contact, have had a high or moderate risk exposure to COVID-19.

Locals are bit required to have a PCR test if they have a positive RAT Test.

To view COVID-19 clinics, head to https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx

Image: NSW Health

COVID-19 cases in the Hunter New England regions are continuing to decline but the drop in recorded infections is marred with a drop in testing. 

There were five new cases of the virus recorded in the past 24-hours, which is the best record to date since September 6th. 

Over the weekend, Hunter New England Health identified seven cases on the Sunday and 12 the day before. 

Chief Health Officer Dr David Durrheim said while there are positives to the case numbers dropping, they are also seeing a drastic decrease in testing throughout the district. 

"We strongly encourage everyone in the community given the very low testing rates currently, which have halved over the last four weeks from over 62,000 tests, to just over 30,000 tests, don't ignore any symptoms. 

"If you have any COVID-like symptoms - a sore throat, a cough, a runny nose, change in taste or smell - please get tested. We don't want COVID to again escape into the community," Dr Durrheim said. 

Of the new cases, three are from Newcastle LGA, one is from Mid Coast LGA and one is from Cessnock LGA.

One was in isolation for their entire infectious period and four were infectious in the community.

Four cases are linked to known exposures or clusters and one is unlinked.

A breakdown of today's figures:

3 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Tighes Hill

1 is from Cessnock LGA

- 1 from East Branxton

1 is from Mid Coast LGA

- 1 from Wherrol Flat

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Hunter New England Regions have fallen below double digits in the latest COVID-19 figures. 

There were seven new cases confirmed throughout the district in the past 24-hours. 

It brings the case numbers in the current outbreak to 4,347. 

It included three in the Mid-Coast, two in Newcastle and one in Lake Macquarie and Singleton. 

This is the third case reported in the Upper Hunter regions in the past seven days. 

Two cases are currently being cared for in ICU. 

There was six infectious while out in the community and one isolating during their infectious period. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales saw a short spike in cases with 337 locally acquired infections recorded overnight. 

A breakdown of today's figures:

3 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 1 from Cedar Party

- 1 from Old Bar

- 1 from Wingham

2 are from Newcastle LGA

- 2 from North Lambton

1 is from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Cardiff

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Singleton

COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in the Hunter New England regions as over 600 cases were identified for a second day in a row. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed a further 674 new infections in the past 24-hours, with 24 of those belonging to the Upper Hunter itself. 

It included 11 in Singleton, seven in Muswellbrook and five in the Upper Hunter Shire. 

Newcastle continues to record the highest figures with 308 cases diagnosed overnight. 

There are now 2,122 active cases of COVID-19 around the districts. 

12 of those active cases are in hospital and there are three in ICU. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed the death of a women in her sixties from the Northern Tablelands. 

"She was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.

"Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends," a HNEH spokesperson said. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales cases are also spiking with 2,213 listed across the state.

Of the 674 new cases:

- 308 are from Newcastle LGA

- 190 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 53 are from Maitland LGA

- 41 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 24 are from Cessnock LGA

- 13 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 11 are from Singleton LGA

- 8 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 7 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 5 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 4 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 3 are from Inverell LGA

- 2 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 2 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 2 are from Walcha LGA

- 1 is from Dungog LGA

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded one of its lowest tallies of COVID-19 infections over the last month.

There were 30 new confirmed cases across the Hunter regions in the past 24-hours.

It brings the total number in the current outbreak to 3,080 - with currently 835 active cases.

Nine are from the Newcastle LGA, eight in Lake Macquarie, four in Cessnock and the MidCoast, two in Maitland and one in Dungog, Port Stephens and Tamworth Regional.

20 were infectious in the community, seven were isolating while infectious and three are still under investigation.

23 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are currently in ICU.

 Seven cases are linked and 20 are unlinked.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 135 new locally acquired cases overnight.

A breakdown of today's COVID-19 figures:

9 are from Newcastle LGA

- 5 from Carrington

- 1 from Fletcher

- 1 from Hamilton South

- 1 from Jesmond

- 1 from Mayfield

8 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 2 from Tingira Heights

- 2 from Warners Bay

- 1 from Belmont North

- 1 from Charlestown

- 1 from Cooranbong

- 1 from Morisset

4 are from Cessnock LGA

- 2 from Cessnock

- 1 from Bellbird Heights

- 1 from Kearsley

4 are from MidCoast LGA

- 2 from Taree

- 1 from Forster

- 1 from Tea Gardens

2 are from Maitland LGA

- 1 from Luskintyre

- 1 from Chisholm

1 is from Dungog LGA

- 1 from Hilldale

1 is from Port Stephens LGA

- 1 from Raymond Terrace

1 is from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 1 from Calala

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/Vaccination_by_postcode.

To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

An alternative method for QR check-ins has become available for residents of the Upper Hunter without access to smartphones. 

A COVID-19 check-in card is a hard-copy card that contains encrypted, unique QR codes that contains an individual's registered contact details.  It  is not mandatory for businesses to accept and scan the card.  However, it is highly recommended. 

When entering a COVID-safe business, customers can present the check-in card to an employee who then scans the code and electronically records their visit to the venue.

Customer tracking information will be directly available for NSW Health's Contact Tracing team in the event of a positive COVID-19 case outbreak. 

Individuals can download and print their COVID-19 check-in card or have one mailed to them. Individuals can create a card at the  Service NSW website. 

Image Credit: Service NSW Facebook

 

 

 

The Hunter New England regions have seen another two people pass away overnight in relation to COVID-19. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed a man and woman from the Maitland local government area died overnight, who were in their 70s and 90s respectively.

It follows as New South Wales records a further 27 deaths, comprised of 17 men and 10 women. 

This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,394.

There are currently 73 COVID-19 cases receiving care in hospitals across the Hunter New England Local Health District, and seven in intensive care units.

A further 1,193 positive infections were recorded across the regions in the past 24-hours. 

The latest figures were comprised of 465 positive PCR test results and 728 rapid antigen test results. 

Meanwhile, the state recorded 13,026 positive test results – including 5,664  positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 7,362 positive PCR tests.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

After yesterdays announcement of a seven-day lockdown in parts of our region, Hunter New England Health have extended testing clinic hours. See the full list below of times and locations below:

HNE Health

Extended Testing Clinic Hours

A new clinic has been established by Laverty Pathology at McDonald Jones Stadium. It will open today at approx 11am. After today, the clinic will operate Mon to Fri 7am - 6pm and Sat to Sun 7.30am - 4pm.

Public facilities

University of Newcastle drive-through clinic

7.30am - 5pm, 7 days a week

Belmont Hospital drive-through clinic

Open 8am - 8pm 7 days

Calvary Mater Newcastle

8am - 2pm Monday - Friday

Cessnock Hospital drive-through clinic

8am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday

8am - 6pm this Saturday

8am - 6pm Sunday

Singleton Hospital drive-through clinic

1.20pm - 3.20pm Monday - Friday

2pm - 4pm Saturday and Sunday

Scone Hospital clinic

9.30am - 11.30am Monday - Friday

2pm - 4pm Saturday - Sunday

Muswellbrook Hospital clinic

9.30am - 11.30am Monday - Friday

9.30am - 12.30pm on Friday 6 August

9.30am - 12.30pm Saturday - Sunday

There are a number of other private pathology services providing testing across the lockdown LGAs.

All testing clinics can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics.

 

COVID-19 case numbers in the Hunter New England are on the decline as the region identified less than a thousand overnight. 

There were 855 newly confirmed infections in the past 24 hours, comprised of 331 positive PCR tests and 524 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). 

Hunter New England announced there were zero deaths overnight, however the state still identified 14 people who passed away after contracting the virus.

Hospitalisation rates continue to fall with 49 people currently receiving care in hospitals across district, four less than the day prior. 

There is only one in an intensive care unit, dipping by four from yesterday's figures. 

In New South Wales, 7437 positive test results were returned since 8pm last night -  including 3,917 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 3,520 positive PCR tests.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

 

 

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Muswellbrook Council in conjunction with NSW Health will hold a drive through testing clinic at the showground. 

Anybody within the Local Government Area experiencing the mildest of symptoms are being urged to get tested.

Once a resident receives the COVID-19 test they must isolate until a negative test result is received.  

The drive-through clinic will be open at the following times:

• Friday 10 September, 7:30am to 3:30pm
• Saturday 11 September, 7:30am to 3:30pm
• Sunday 12 September, 7:30am to 3:30pm
• Monday 13 September, 7:30am to 3:30pm

Image Credit: Caravan Park Photos

 

 

Hunter New England Health have confirmed there are 14 new coronavirus cases within the region.

These new figures bring the total number of cases in the district to 53.

7 are from the Newcastle LGA , 6 are from Lake Macquarie LGA and 1 from Maitland.

11 are currently linked to previously reported cases, while 3 are still under investigation.

9 of the 14 cases are aged under 30 years of age and 6 were active in the community while infectious.

In addition, Dubbo LGA's will go into a snap lockdown as of 1pm today.

For further information, refer to the Hunter New England Health Website.

Image Credit: Hunter New England Health

The Hunter New England regions identified 15 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24-hours.

The newly confirmed take the total number of cases in the current outbreak to 4,264 - there are currently 502 active cases.

Seven of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and one is currently in ICU.

12 cases are linked and one are unlinked with two currently under investigation.

Six were infectious in the community and seven were isolating while infectious. 

A breakdown of today's figures:

4 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 3 from Moree

- 1 from Boggabilla

3 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 3 from Macquarie Hills

3 are from Tamworth LGA

- 2 from West Tamworth

- 1 from Tamworth

2 are from Newcastle LGA

- 1 from Warabrook

- 1 from Waratah West

2 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 1 from Strathcedar

- 1 from Taree

1 is from Armidale LGA

- 1 from Armidale

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

The Hunter regions have identified a further 62 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. 

The new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 3,607 - with currently 827 active cases.

The Upper Hunter recorded one new cases located within the Singleton LGA at Lambs Valley. 

20 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and three are currently in ICU.

48 cases are linked, 10 are unlinked and four are still under investigation.

25 were infectious in the community, 33 were isolating while infectious and four are still under investigation.

A breakdown of today's figures:

21 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 21 from Moree

11 are from Cessnock LGA

- 7 from Cessnock

- 3 from Abermain

- 1 from Weston

8 are from MidCoast LGA

- 4 from Taree

- 2 from Forster

- 1 from Nabiac

- 1 from Tinonee

7 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 2 from Cameron Park

- 2 from Jewells

- 1 from Brightwaters

- 1 from Buttaba

- 1 from Toronto

5 are from Newcastle LGA

- 1 from Fletcher

- 1 from Hamilton

- 1 from Mayfield

- 1 from Sandgate

- 1 from Wallsend

3 are from Inverell LGA

- 3 from Inverell

2 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 2 from Tamworth

2 are from Maitland LGA

- 2 from Chisholm

1 is from Armidale LGA

- 1 from Armidale

1 is from Port Stephens LGA

- 1 from Boat Harbour

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Lambs Valley

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

 

A newly confirmed case of COVID-19 has been identified within Gunnedah.

It follows as 16 new cases were listed in today's figures and take the total number in the current outbreak from the Hunter regions to 367.

There are currently 202 active cases.

Six are from Lake Macquarie LGA - two in Wangi Wangi and one in Arcadia Vale, Charlestown, Glendale, West Wallsend.

Five are from Newcastle LGA - two in Mayfield and one in Hamilton, New Lambtom and Elermore Vale.

Three are from Cessnock LGA - two in Cliftleigh and one in Greta.

One are from Port Stephens LGA in Boat Harbour and one in Gunnedah LGA.

There are 14 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and two are in ICU.

Nine of the cases are linked and seven remain under investigation.

10 were infectious in the community and five were isolating while infectious.

For more information visit the Hunter New England Health website.

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/Vaccination_by_postcode.

To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

In today's latest reporting figures sadly, NSW Health is reporting the deaths of 24 people with COVID-19; 16 men and eight women.

Of the 24 people who died; two people were aged in their 50s, one person was in their 60s, two people were in their 70s, 12 people were in their 80s and seven people were in their 90s. Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.

Two people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 16 people had received two doses, three people had received one dose and three people were not vaccinated.

Of the two people who died aged under 65, both were men who had serious underlying health conditions. One man had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and one had received three doses.

 

Here in the Hunter New England Health we had 1,512 new cases. It broke down to 722 from PCR tests and 790 from rapid antigen tests.

 

Everyone is being reminded to test if they have symptoms and to book for booster appointments when you become eligible.

A further 1,365 new cases of COVID-19 has been identified in the Hunter New England regions in the past 24-hours.

There are currently 111 infections receiving care in hospital while 8 remain in intensive care units.

Hunter New England Health have also confirmed a death of a woman in her 90s from the Newcastle area overnight.

This is the eleventh death recorded since January 10.

Hunter New England Health will no longer provide the regions with detailed daily cases within local government areas. 

"With the centralisation of rapid antigen reporting at a state level, our local case numbers are no longer an accurate reflection of COVID-19 across the Hunter New England region.

"However, we will continue to report daily hospitalisation, ICU numbers and other important public health messaging to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 on our social media channels.

"The NSW Government and NSW Health continue to lead the pandemic response and provide comprehensive COVID-19 data," a Hunter New England spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 29,504 positive test results since 8pm last night.

It included 11,858 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 17,646 positive PCR tests.

There are currently 2,776 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 203 people in intensive care, 61 of whom require ventilation.

 Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The Hunter New England regions are seeking numbers rise across the board from daily case figures to the latest hospitalisation numbers. 

There were 3,424 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the districts in the past 24-hours, with 108 present in the Upper Hunter. 

It included 66 in Singleton, 23 in the Upper Hunter Shire and 19 in the Muswellbrook local government areas. 

Hospitalisations increased by 18 overnight with 89 people currently being cared for in hospital. 

The ICU admissions leapt by 4, bringing the overall total to 9. 

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) confirmed a man and woman in their 60s passed away overnight in relation to the virus.

"Sadly a man and a woman in their 60s from the Lake Macquarie area died at John Hunter Hospital.

"Both had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.

"Our sincere condolences go out to their family and friends," a HNEH spokesperson said.

There are 13,974 active cases in the regions. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales diagnosed 34,994 locally acquired infections. 

There are currently 1,609 in hospital across the state, 131 in ICU and six deaths recorded in total. 

From Monday 10 January, COVID-19 vaccinations are available for children aged 5 years and older. Children in this cohort receive a third of a normal dose and require two vaccinations eight weeks apart.

To ensure children have the best possible experience, bookings are required. Appointments can be made online via: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

A further 3,189 new cases of COVID-19 has been identified in the Hunter New England regions overnight. 

The results were recorded across both rapid antigen testing (RATs) and PCR testing methods. 

It included 1,986 positive results from a PCR and 1,203 confirmed positive results by RATs.

There are currently 100 people receiving care in hospital throughout the districts with six of those cases in intensive care units. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed another death overnight in relation to COVID-19. 

A Tamworth man in his 90s passed away after contracting the virus. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 32,297 positive test results, including 12,450 positive rapid antigen tests and 19,847 positive PCR tests.

There are currently 2,863 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital across the state, including 217 people in intensive care, 66 of whom require ventilation.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

A further two deaths has been recorded in the Hunter New England regions overnight in relation to the COVID-19 virus.

Hunter New England Health (HNE) confirmed another two men have passed away after contracting the infection.

"Sadly, we are reporting the death of two men from the Hunter region.

"A man in his 80s from the Port Stephens area and a man in his 50s from the Lake Macquarie area.

"Our sincere condolences go out to their family and friends," a HNEH spokesperson said.

There has been a total of six deaths reported in the region in the past three days, including a Muswellbrook woman and Singleton man.

There was a further 3,410 recorded COVID-19 cases in the Hunter New England region in the past 24-hours.

The Upper Hunter diagnosed 103 which included 57 in Singleton, 33 in Muswellbrook and 13 in the Upper Hunter Shire.

There are 27,168 active cases, of which 101 active cases are being cared for in our hospitals and there are 10 in ICU.

Meanwhile, New South Wales leaped once more with 34,759 new locally acquired infections.

Of the 3,410 recorded cases:

- 828 are from Newcastle LGA

- 680 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 488 are from Maitland LGA

- 322 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 309 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 211 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 204 are from Cessnock LGA

- 72 are from Inverell LGA

- 70 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 57 are from Singleton LGA

- 39 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 36 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 33 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 25 are from Dungog LGA

- 13 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 7 are from Uralla LGA

- 6 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 5 are from Narrabri LGA

- 2 are from Glen Innes LGA

- 2 are from Walcha LGA

- 1 is from Gwydir LGA

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The Hunter New England regions have recorded another day of single digit cases as a further seven COVID-19 infections were diagnosed in the past 24-hours. 

The seven new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 4,378 - with currently 218 active cases.

It included three from the Mid-Coast LGA, two in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. 

Of the new cases, one of the total active cases is currently being cared for in hospital.

Three cases are linked and 3 are unlinked and one is under investigation by health authorities.

Three were infectious in the community and three were isolating while in their infectious period. 

A breakdown of today's cases:

3 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 2 from Harrington

- 1 from Wingham

2 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 1 from Cardiff South

- 1 from Glendale

2 are from Newcastle LGA

- 1 from Merewether

- 1 from Warabrook

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

Hunter New England Health have identified 45 new cases of COVID-19 throughout the district. 

It has become the highest recorded number of cases to date since September 18th when 30 were documented. 

The newly recorded take the total number in the current outbreak to 521 - with 342 active cases.

20 are from Newcastle LGA - four in Newcastle, three in Wallsend and Birmingham Gardens, two in Newcastle East and one in Mayfield, New Lambton, Merewether, Waratah, Hamilton, Mayfield East, Bar Beach and Wallsend South.

19 are from Lake Macquarie LGA - four in Toronto and Cooranbong, three in Mirrabooka, 2 in Woodrising and one in Mount Hutton, Wangi Wangi, Booragul, Edgeworth, Windale and Blackalls Park.

Three are from Maitland LGA - one in Metford, Ashtonfield and Green Hills.

Two are from Cessnock LGA - one in  North Rothbury and Weston.

One is from Port Stephens LGA - located in Tanibla Bay

11 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and zero are in ICU.

28 are linked to known infections, 10 are unlinked, and seven are still under investigation.

29 were infectious in the community, 10 were isolating while infectious and six are still under investigation.

There are 804 close contacts in isolation throughout the Hunter.

For further information visit the Hunter New England Healthwebsite. 

The Hunter New England Health District has hit triple digits, the highest recorded number to date, in COVID-19 cases.

It recorded 103 across the regions making up a quarter of the New South Wales figures at 406.

The Upper Hunter has gone a third consecutive day without any new reported cases.

The new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 1,995. There are currently 1,146 active cases.

21 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and four are currently in ICU.

79 are linked, 15 are unlinked and nine are still under investigation.

41 were infectious in the community, 53 were isolating while infectious and nine are still under investigation.

A breakdown of today's cases:

19 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 8 in Tamworth

- 7 in Oxley Vale

- 3 in South Tamworth

- 1 in West Tamworth

18 are from Newcastle LGA

- 4 in Lambton

- 3 in Wallsend

- 3 in Bar Beach

- 2 in Mayfield

- 2 in Merewether

- 1 in Maryland

- 1 in Stockton

- 1 in Fletcher

- 1 in Jesmond

16 are from Cessnock LGA

- 5 in Branxton

- 4 in Cessnock

- 2 in Greta

- 1 in Abermain

- 1 in Cliftleigh

- 1 in East Branxton

- 1 in Kearsley

- 1 in Weston

15 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 3 in Windale

- 2 in Barnsley

- 2 in Belmont

- 2 in Macquarie Hills

- 1 in Belmont North

- 1 in Charlestown

- 1 in Cooranbong

- 1 in Edgeworth

- 1 in Gateshead

- 1 in Warners Bay

13 are from MidCoast LGA

- 9 in Taree

- 3 in Forster

- 1 in Glenthorne

12 are from Maitland LGA

- 4 in Raworth

- 2 in Rutherford

- 2 in Woodberry

- 1 in East Maitland

- 1 in Largs

- 1 in Metford

- 1 in Maitland

8 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 7 in Raymond Terrace

- 1 in Karuah

2 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 1 in Curlewis

- 1 in Gunnedah

 

The Hunter New England regions have recorded their fourth consecutive day of 10 new COVID cases. 

The newly confirmed take the total number in the current outbreak to 4,340 - with currently 315 active cases. 

It included four in the Mid-Coast, two in Armidale and Newcastle and one in Gunnedah and Moree Plains local government areas. 

Two of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and there are none in ICU. 

Eight cases are linked, one case is unlinked and there is one still under investigation.

Seven were infectious in the community and two were isolating while infectious. 

Hunter New England Health is advising Merriwa residents to come forward for testing if they experience even the mildest of symptoms. 

It follows after viral fragments were detected in the sewage plant for Merriwa yesterday. 

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 271 locally acquired cases.

A breakdown of today's figures:

4 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 3 from Harrington

- 1 from Taree

 2 are from Armidale LGA

- 2 from Armidale

2 are from Newcastle LGA

- 2 from Hamilton

1 is from Gunnedah LGA

- 1 from Gunnedah

1 is from Moree Plains LGA

- 1 from Mungindi

Image: Grant Broadcasters

Hunter New England Health are urging schools to closely monitor the transmission of COVID-19 within classroom environments. 

Chief Health Officer Dr David Durrheim stated since schools have opened up across the Hunter New England they have seen a number of outbreaks, particularly in primary schools. 

"We've seen over 70 primary schools affected by COVID in the schools and 40 percent of those we've seen transmission between children.

"Its really important that schools take every measure possible, even though sometimes the weather is challenging to make sure that children have much of their school activities outdoors. 

"Make sure that windows and doors are thrown wide open and that crowding is prevented in the schools as much as possible," Dr Durrheim said. 

Since schools were allowed to re-open, numerous facilities across the Hunter New England were subjected to shutting down and re-opening orders. 

"We've seen outbreaks right across the Hunter New England region in small towns in Wingen and Tingha and larger towns like Tamworth and across Newcastle and Maitland," Dr Durrheim said.

Some of the schools which have been implicated so far throughout the Hunter regions include Anna Bay Public School, Cardiff South Public School, Carrington Public School, Eleebana Public School, Garden Suburbs Public School, Hunter River Community School, Hunter Sports High School, Inverell High School, Jewells Public School, Kotara South Public School, Mailtland East Public School, Mayfield West Public School, Newcastle Junior School, Shortland Public School, Tamworth Public School, Tamworth South Public School, Thornton Public School, Windale Public School.

These schools have since reopened their doors and do not have any current COVID-19 cases.

Dr Durrheim said teachers have managed to remain protected throughout the school outbreaks. 

"What we have seen in outbreaks in primary schools which is quite intriguing is that school teachers who are double vaccinated and wearing masks have not been impacted. 

"Teachers are obviously being protected by COVID by being double vaccinated," he said. 

It comes after there were 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24-hours. 

It included nine from Lake Macquarie, six in the Mid-Coast, five in Moree Plains and one in Newcastle and Armidale. 

There were 14 infectious while out in the community and eight isolating during their infectious period. 

To stay up to date with school closures, check: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety#NSW0

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Hunter New England regions have detected less than one thousand cases of COVID-19 in the past 24-hours. 

NSW Health confirmed a total of 942 new cases of the virus in the regions overnight which were comprised of 294 positive PCR tests and 648 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). 

Hunter New England Health reported another death in relation to COVID-19 through the region. 

The latest passing was a male in his 90s from the Maitland local government area. 

Hospitalisation numbers are following a downward trend with 36 people currently receiving care in hospital - the latest figure was two less than recorded the day prior. 

There are three people in intensive care units.

There were 6,184 positive test results notified in the 24 hours to 4pm yesterday – including 4,040 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 2,144 positive PCR tests.

There are currently 1,649 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital across the state, including 100 people in intensive care, 47 of whom require ventilation.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

A seven-day lockdown was announced for the Upper Hunter yesterday but when pandemonium began in the supermarkets, Dominos Owner David Bird intervened with a surprise pizza dinner for the staff.

The Muswellbrook Dominos team reached out to Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and IGA crews taking on the unexpected swarms of panicked buyers.

“We kicked into action straight away once we could see the full car parks and the line ups.”

“That is a lot of stress for everyone involved and especially for the workers on the frontline, they don’t really have a choice,” Bird said.

The mayhem began after New South Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the one week stay-at-home orders for Muswellbrook, Singleton, Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog and Newcastle. 

Bird believes that in these stressful times it is important to keep community spirits high.

“It’s the right thing to do in a time like this. We need to stick together and help each other out where we can,” Bird said.

 The Owner’s generosity was well received by the local neighbourhood with numerous Facebook posts flooding in on Muswellbrook community groups with gratitude. 

 Bird is flattered by the received local hero status and maintains he was looking out for the people who needed it most. 

 “It was overwhelming the response that we had. I was looking at it this morning and I couldn’t believe the publicity but it wasn’t what we were looking for.”

 “We were looking for someone to get in contact with us so we could give them a free feed.”

 “There is a lot of community spirit, here in Muswellbrook, and at times like this everybody needs to stick together so if pizza is doing that, then it’s good.”

This is not the first time Bird and the Dominos team have helped in high-pressure situations. In 2019, he most notoriously helped in the major bushfires by thanking local RFS brigades with food and beverages. 

Image Credit: Mynorbejarano, Pixabay and Grant Broadcasters

With the parts of the Upper Hunter now in lockdown until 12:01am on the 13th we have made things easy by listing what you can can't do to stay compliant with the health order that is now in place.

NSW Health 

Stay-at-home order for new areas of concern

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock from 5pm today until 12.01am Friday 13 August.

Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, stay-at-home orders will apply to all people who live in these areas, or have been there on or after 31 July 2021.

The rules for these areas are the same as those already in place across Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse to leave. They also cannot have visitors in their home, except in limited circumstances. This applies to all social visits from those outside your household, including family and friends.

The reasons you may leave your home include to:

obtain food or other goods and services

- in your local government area or within 10km of your home, if reasonably practicable

- only one person per household may leave the home to obtain food or other goods and services each day (you may take a dependent person with you if that person cannot be left at home on their own).

leave home to go to work if

- you cannot reasonably work from home and

- the business is allowed to be open

leave home for education if it is not possible to do it at home, noting that schools will only be open for children of parents who cannot work from home

exercise and take outdoor recreation within your local government area or up to 10km from your home.

go out for medical or caring reasons, including for a COVID-19 test or vaccination.

Closure of retail businesses

Retail premises will be required to close (‘click and collect’, takeaway and home delivery can still operate), except for critical retail.

Masks

• Masks must be worn in all indoor areas (not including the home) and in certain outdoor settings, such as all people working outdoors or while queuing for takeaway or shopping for critical items.
• Masks do not have to be worn while travelling in a car alone or with members of your household in a car, or while exercising vigorously.
• Masks must be carried whenever a person is away from their home, even if they are not required to be wearing it.

There has just been recently released an amendment.

Please be advised the Public Health (COVID-19 Additional Restrictions for Delta Outbreak)Amendment (No 18) Order has been signed and is now available online. There are now some additions to the information I had earlier provided outline below.  

A temporary exemption is in place (and attached) to allow weddings and funerals to take place in the Newcastle and Hunter region until the beginning of 8 August. After that, and until the lifting of restrictions, weddings will not be permitted and funerals will be limited to 10 mourners.

At present, residents of Greater Sydney who leave the lockdown area to attend work more than 50km from the lockdown area are required to receive a COVID test every seven days. This will not be a requirement of the workers who go more than 50km from the Newcastle and Hunter region.

The Amending Order states that these restrictions will be repealed on 13 August, as was announced earlier today.

Be advised that keep up to date with all things Covid-19 related, use the NSW Health Website. 

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au

 

 

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia

The Hunter and Upper Hunter will undergo another week in lockdown after COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the districts.

Today's figures confirmed there was another 24 , bringing the region total to 77.

14 are from Lake Macquarie LGA, 7 are from Newcastle LGA, 2 from Maitland LGA and 1 from Port Stephens LGA. They are all linked to previously reported cases.

12 are associated with the Residential Aged Care Facility, RFBI Hawkins Masonic Retirement Village at Edgeworth -  including 11 residents and 1 staff member.

There  were 6 active in the community while infectious.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the stay-at-home orders will be in place for another seven days with lockdown expected to end next Thursday August 19.

For further information, visit the Hunter New England Health website.

Image Credit: Geralt, Pixabay.

 

 

 

 

The New South Government has reintroduced precautionary steps to maintain a safe and measured approach while learning to live with COVID-19.

Mask mandates, QR code check-ins and density limits are making their return after the state eased COVID-19 restrictions on December 2. 

The following adjustments to the NSW Government’s pandemic settings will come into effect:

From 12.01am Friday, 24 December:

• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including for hospitality staff and in offices, unless eating or drinking.

From 12.01am Monday, 27 December 2021:

• QR code check-ins will be compulsory, including for hospitality and retail; and

• Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule indoors, with no density limit for outdoor settings.

All settings will remain in place until Wednesday, 27 January 2022.

Extending QR check-in requirements will remind people that if they receive a notification they should be tested if they feel unwell.

They should also get tested if they are directed by NSW Health or if they have symptoms.

Further to these measures, the Government is asking people to reduce mingling where they can including when eating and drinking, work from home where possible and hold events outside.

The NSW Government will continue to monitor these settings.

The NSW Government will also procure Rapid-Antigen Test kits and make them available for free to people across the State, to give additional options to people and allow those who need to get a PCR test to do so.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures would help take the pressure off our health system and keep the community safe until more people could get their booster shots.

“We said we would tailor our settings as the situation evolved and these steps will help take the pressure of our health system, so the people who need care can access it,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our frontline health workers have done an enormous job keeping us safe over the past two years and we can’t thank them enough. 

“Vaccination remains the key to keeping people safe and out of hospital.

"It is vital people continue to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated and receive their boosters," he said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked people for continuing to come forward in large numbers to get tested and urged everyone to follow the restrictions.

“We thank people for coming out in large numbers to get tested but we need to make sure that tests are available for people who really need it,” Mr Hazzard said.

“If you don’t have any symptoms, please don’t get a test just for the sake of it.

"The best thing people can do is follow the rules outlined today. The health and safety of the community continues to be the highest priority.

“I want to again thank NSW Health for the work they are doing in response to the pandemic," Mr Hazzard said.

The changes follow from the National Cabinet meeting yesterday where Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not mandate mask wearing but instead insisted Australians use "common sense" and take "personal responsibility."

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

Despite a COVID-19 outbreak surging throughout the Hunter Valley, New South Wales is preparing to see their restrictions eased tomorrow as per the state's roadmap to recovery.

From 12.01am on December 15, unvaccinated residents in the state will be given all the same freedoms as those who are fully vaccinated and mandates around mask wearing, QR check-in codes and density settings will be altered or lifted.

Masks will no longer be required unless in select settings and there are no longer any requirements regarding proof of vaccination status under Public Health Orders.

Density limits are set to change and unvaccinated residents will be allowed to venture to non-essential retail outlets. 

The following changes will come into effect tomorrow:

Masks and QR codes

• Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated. Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance.
• Masks no longer required in outdoor settings.
• COVID-19 Safe check-ins only required for hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (including sex services), pubs, small bars and registered clubs, nightclubs, strip clubs, sex on premises and indoor music festivals with over 1,000 people.

Visiting family and friends

• No limit to number of visitors in your home.
• No limit to number of people for outdoor public gatherings.
• All visitors to residents in aged care facilities and disability homes permitted in line with their policies.

Exercise and recreation

• No person limit in gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities.
• Indoor swimming pools open for all purposes.
• Community sports permitted for all staff, spectators and participants.

Schools

• Students already returned to face-to-face learning.

Shopping and personal services

• Non-critical retail reopens to all.
• No person limit for personal services (including hairdressers, spas, beauty and nail salons, tattoo and massage parlours).
• Sex services premises open.

Restaurants and hospitality

• No person limit in hospitality venues.
• Singing and dancing is permitted indoors and outdoors for all.
• Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing.

Working from home

• Employers allow staff to work from home at their discretion.

Travel and transport

• Travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW permitted for all.
• Carpooling permitted for all.
• Caravan parks and camping grounds remain open (including for people who are not fully vaccinated).

International travel

• International travellers who are fully vaccinated no longer need to quarantine on arrival. They must do a PCR test, be recognised as fully vaccinated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and have their vaccination status certified by the Commonwealth.
• International travellers who are not fully vaccinated still need to quarantine on arrival for 14 days. Limit on number of arrivals will apply.

Events and entertainment

• No person limit for major recreation facilities (including stadiums, theme parks and race courses), subject to 100% of fixed seated capacity.
• No person limit for entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres), subject to 100% of fixed seated capacity.
• No person limit for information and education facilities (including art galleries, museums and libraries).
• No person limit for outdoor public gatherings and recreation.
• Nightclubs, strip clubs and sex on premises venues open.
• Music festivals reopen with 20,000 person limit.
• Amusement centres and play centres open to all.
• Proof of vaccination only required for indoor music festivals with over 1,000 people and cruises with over 100 passengers.

Weddings and religious services

• Weddings permitted with no person limit, eating and drinking allowed while standing and dancing permitted.
• Funerals permitted with no person limit, and eating and drinking allowed while standing.
• Singing and dancing indoors permitted by all.
• Places of worship open to all.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A vaccination hub opening in Merrriwa tomorrow will be administering the Pfizer vaccine.

The clinic will be held at the School of Arts in Bow Street from 10:30am-3:30pm and is open to residents from the Upper Hunter Shire local government area. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and the Royal Flying Doctor Service organised the clinic to assist with vaccination rates due to the low number of General Practitioners in the community. 

"A community like Merriwa need more than just one person jabbing arms. 

"We've organised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to come down and form a clinic there. 

"It really is aimed for that Merriwa community and people of the Upper Hunter Shire Council area.

"It will be Pfizer and Pfizer only," Mr Layzell said. 

The vaccines will be administered to anybody over the ages of 12.

No appointments will be required but individuals who attend must bring their Medicare card and identification. 

Image: Coffee / Pixabay

The Muswellbrook local government area has the lowest double vaccination rates across the Hunter regions.

Upper Hunter MP Daze Layzell outlined in a data report ending from September 12 that Muswellbrook's second dosages sit at 29.9%. 

Meanwhile, the first dose rates in Muswellbrook rose significantly over the past few weeks and now sits at 63% - from its former 47.1%  in August.

The Hunter New England Health districts continue to fall short of the rest of New South Wales as part of vaccine hesitation and a lack of supplies.

Upper Hunter holds the highest double jab rates with 44.7% of the population fully vaccinated and 73.5% already having at least one.

With the state set to reopen next month when a 70% double jabbed target is reached, the Hunter could be left vulnerable if the rates fall behind.

Vaccination Rates in the Upper Hunter:

• Dungog: 73.3% 1st dose, 43.3% 2nd Dose
  
  
• Liverpool Plains: 67.9% 1st dose, 32.3% 2nd Dose
  
  
•  Maitland: 69.6% 1st dose, 38.6% 2nd Dose
  
  
• Mid-Coast: 73.5% 1st dose, 43.8% 2nd Dose
  
  
• Muswellbrook: 63.0% 1st dose, 29.9% 2nd Dose
  
  
• Singleton: 67.1% 1st dose, 33.9% 2nd Dose
  
  
• Upper Hunter: 76.3% 1st dose, 44.7% 2nd Dose

Image Credit: Pixabay

The Muswellbrook local government area has one confirmed case of COVID-19 with the expectation of further cases to be announced this coming week. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has told Radio Hunter Valley News there as no exposure to the wider community outside of their household. 

"Expect the rest of the household to be cases in coming days but all are isolated," Mr Layzell said. 

At this current stage, there will be no changes to the eased restrictions which were introduced last week. 

A spokesperson from Hunter New England Health has also told Radio Hunter Valley News the person is 'low risk' to the community. 

They have asked anyone with the mildest of symptoms to get tested as soon as possible. 

Mr Layzell has said the investigations are ongoing. 

The Hunter New England Health District recorded 18 new cases. 

Eight are from Lake Macquarie LGA - three in Mount Hutton and Toronto. One in Booragul and in Coal Point.

Five are from Newcastle LGA - Three in Tarro and one in Mayfield and Jesmond.

Two are from Maitland LGA - located in Metford and Aberglasslyn

One is from Cessnock LGA - located in Greta

One is from Muswellbrook LGA - located in Muswellbrook.

One is from Glen Innes Severn LGA - located in Glen Innes.

11 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and zero are in ICU.

14 are linked, three are unlinked, and one is still under investigation.

12 were infectious in the community and fivewere isolating while infectious.

There are 849 close contacts are in isolation across the Hunter Region.

An Upper Hunter man has passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19. 

Hunter New England Health (HNE) reported the latest death of a Muswellbrook man who was in his seventies. 

It follows as the Hunter New England Health District reports the highest daily cases in all of New South Wales. 

Out of the 8,950 new cases of COVID-19 overnight, the HNE detected 1,378 new infections. 

They were identified through 537 positive PCR tests and 841 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs). 

Hospitalisation numbers continue to steady throughout the Hunter New England as 43 active cases are currently in hospital throughout the district. 

There are two in intensive care units.

Across the state, there currently 1,716 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 108 people in intensive care, 48 of whom require ventilation.

For  more information on the latest figures:

• For today’s COVID-19 case numbers for NSW (which includes PCR and RAT figures for HNE Health overall) go to: https://bit.ly/NSWHealthMediaUpdates
• For the total number of active cases go to: https://bit.ly/NSWHealthCOVID-19Update
• For cases and tests broken down by health district and local government area go to: https://bit.ly/LocallyAcquiredCases
• For vaccination rates by postcode go to: https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

A new case of COVID-19 has been identified in the Upper Hunter Shire local government area, located in Scone. 

This is the second new case within the Upper Hunter regions in the past three days. 

There was another case recorded in the Muswellbrook Shire in Denman on Saturday, November 27. 

It follows after another 10 cases of the virus were diagnosed within the Hunter New England regions in the past 24-hours, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the outbreak to 4,320. 

Hunter New England Health's Chief Health Officer Dr David Durrheim says the low numbers are encouraging. 

"We have seen an encouraging stabilisation in COVID-19 cases at low numbers.

"Most of the cases have been in Moree and Mid-Coast LGAs," he said.

Tragically, a man in his 50s died with COVID-19 in Tamworth Hospital.

Hunter New England Health have confirmed he had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and had significant underlying health conditions. 

Dr Durrheim said its an important prompt for residents to make sure they are fully vaccinated. 

"COVID-19 is a severe disease and we cannot afford to take chances," he said.

There are four of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and one is currently in ICU.

A breakdown of today's figures:

5 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 5 from Moree

4 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 2 from Harrington

- 1 from Purfleet

- 1 from Taree

1 is from Upper Hunter Shire LGA

- 1 from Scone

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

The Upper Hunter has recorded another new case of COVID-19 as the Hunter New England regions sees a small spike in numbers including a case of the Omicron variant. 

The one new case was located within the Muswellbrook local government area.

It is part of the 28 newly confirmed which were diagnosed in the past 24-hours. 

The other local government areas include 12 in Newcastle, 9 in Lake Macquarie, 3 in Maitland and one in the Mid-Coast, Port Stephens and Tamworth Regional.

There are 201 active cases within the regions and one active case has been confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant. 

Hunter New England Health said this case has been safely isolating at home and is not linked to the Argyle House exposure.

Meanwhile, NSW Health updated its advice for The Argyle House nightclub in Newcastle after an escalation in COVID-19 transmission at the venue.

So far, 84 people linked to the nightclub have tested positive to COVID-19 - 60 of these overnight.

A number of these cases are likely to be the Omicron variant.

"All 680 people who checked in using the QR code to attend the venue from 9pm on Wednesday 8 December to 3am on Thursday 9 December have been assessed as close contacts and must immediately get tested and isolate for 7 days," a NSW Health spokesperson said.

The Newcastle community is being advised of a new venue of concern visited by a confirmed  case of COVID-19. 

Anyone who attended the University of Newcastle Fifth Year Medical Ball at Newcastle NEX  last Friday night, 10 December, is a close contact and must immediately get tested and  isolate for 7 days. 

Household contacts of close contacts from both venues must also get tested and self-isolate  until a negative result is received by everyone in your household. 

NSW Health is appealing for anyone who did not check in using the QR code to also urgently get tested and isolate, and for their friends to ensure other potential attendees are aware of this advice.

"Given the high transmission of COVID-19 at the venue, we ask household contacts of anyone who attended to also immediately get tested and isolate until they and the close contact tests negative," a NSW Health spokesperson said.

NSW Health is urging everyone of the importance of maintaining COVID-safe practices with transmission occurring at social events during the festive period.

"Everyone should remain vigilant when celebrating with family, friends and colleagues and should not attend any social functions if they have any symptoms," they said.

The newly confirmed case of COVID-19 reported in Muswellbrook is linked to the known household exposure from this week. 

A Hunter New England Health spokesperson told Radio Hunter Valley News this new case was in relation to the one reported earlier and remain a minimal risk to the wider community. 

It comes as there were 38 new confirmed infections of the virus identified across the Hunter regions. 

14 are in the Newcastle LGA

- 3 in Merewether

- 1 in Mayfield

- 1 in Wallsend

- 1 in Elermore Vale

- 1 in Newcastle

- 1 in Hamilton South

- 1 in New Lambton

- 1 in Jesmond

- 1 in Islington

- 1 in Kotara South

- 1 in Newcastle West

- 1 in Warabrook

8 in the Lake Macquarie LGA 

- 3 in Cardiff

- 2 in Toronto

- 1 in Mount Hutton

- 1 in Cooranbong

- 1 in Morriset

7 in the Cessnock LGA 

- 6 in Weston

- 1 in Branxton

5 in the Maitland LGA 

- 3 in East Maitland

- 1 in Rutherford

- 1 in Thornton

2 in the Port Stephens LGA 

- 2 in Raymond Terrace

1 in the Muswellbrook LGA 

- Muswellbrook

1 in the Mid-Coast LGA 

- Darawank

19 were infectious in the community and there were nine isolating while infectious.

10 are still under investigation.

There are 773 close contacts are in isolation throughout the Hunter.

For further information visit the Hunter New England Health website.

 

Hunter New England Health are advising the Newcastle community of a new venue of concern visited by a positive case of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the University of Newcastle Fifth Year Medical Ball at Newcastle NEX last Friday night, 10 December, is a close contact and must immediately get tested and  isolate for 7 days. 

Household contacts of close contacts from both venues must also get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received by everyone in your household. 

Hunter New England Population Health, Public Health Physician Dr Tony Merritt says there are more than 450 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. 

"We remind our communities that even COVID-19 cases who are fully vaccinated can still transmit the virus, even though the risk is reduced.

"People should not go to work, and should  immediately get tested and isolate, if they experience any symptoms. 

"We urge anyone who is currently isolating in the community with COVID-19 to call for an  ambulance should they experience a deterioration in their condition, including breathlessness  and dizziness," Dr Merritt said.

Walk-in clinics for first, second and third/booster vaccinations are available across the Hunter New England Health District.

Community members can now walk in to hubs across the District to receive their vaccinations, however, to ensure the fastest possible experience, bookings are encouraged and can be made via the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder. 

First and second doses are available for people aged 12 years and older.

People aged 18  years and older who received their second vaccination more than five months ago may  receive their booster dose. 

Children aged 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian aged 18  years and older.  

For full details of all testing clinics, including locations and opening hours, visit the NSW  Health website.

To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP. 

Image: Grant Broadcasters

NSW Health has identified new venues and times of concern in Newcastle relating to the current COVID-19 outbreak. 

The venues were associated with at least 50 confirmed cases of the virus and its likely that many of these cases have the Omicron variant of concern.

Anyone who attended the following venues during the times should monitor for symptoms

If any symptoms are present, no matter how mild, people should get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• The Great Northern Hotel, 89 Scott Street on Saturday December 11, 12.01 until close
• Finnegan's Hotel, 21 Darby Street, Saturday December 11, 7pm until close
• The Cambridge Hotel, 789 Hunter Street, Saturday December 11, 7pm until close and Sunday December 12, 6pm until close 

NSW Health is appealing for anyone who attended but did not check in using the QR code to follow this advice, and for the community to ensure other potential attendees are aware of this advice.

NSW Health is also reminding everyone of the importance of maintaining COVID-safe practices as transmission is occurring at social events during the festive period.

"Everyone should remain vigilant when celebrating with family, friends and colleagues and should not attend any social functions if they have any symptoms," NSW Health said.

There are more than 450 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

A person from the Singleton local government area has passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed the deaths of three individuals including the Singleton resident and two from the Newcastle local government area. 

They were aged in their 60s, 70s and 90s respectively. 

It follows as the a further 2,739 cases of COVID-19 was recorded in the past 24-hours throughout the district. 

The newly confirmed infections were accumulated from 1,745 positive PCR tests and 993 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs). 

There are currently 100 COVID-19 cases receiving care in hospitals across the Hunter New England Local Health District, and  six in intensive care units.

There were 25,168 positive tests identified overnight – including 10,015 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 15,153 positive PCR tests.

There are currently 2,743 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 209 people in intensive care, 68 of whom require ventilation.

NSW Health is today reporting the deaths of 46 people with COVID-19; 33 men and 13 women.

Seven of these deaths have been included following the conclusion of coronial investigations.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

The Hunter New England regions continue to record over 1,500 daily COVID-19 cases. 

In the past 24 hours, the districts recorded a further 1,636 positive cases - comprised of 669 positive PCR tests and 967 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). 

Hunter New England Health (HNEH)confirmed another resident from the Hunter region has died after contracting the virus. 

"Sadly, we’re reporting the death of a female in her 80s from Lake Macquarie LGA.

"Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends," a HNEH said. 

There are currently 53 people receiving care in hospital and there are three in intensive care units. 

New South Wales diagnosed 12,632 positive test results in the past 24 hours including 7,147 postive RATs and 5,485 positive PCR tests.

There are currently 2,578 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 160 people in intensive care, 68 of whom require ventilation.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

A further 1,554 cases of COVID-19 has been recorded in in the Hunter New England region overnight.

Of the new infections, 33 were diagnosed in the Upper Hunter districts. 

It included 15 in Singleton and eight in Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter Shire LGAs respectively.

There are 29,116 active cases in the region, of which 109 are being cared for in hospitals and nine are in ICU.

Hunter New England Health has reported another death in the region, making it the eighth recorded this week.

"We’re reporting the death of a woman in her 60s from the Lake Macquarie area.

"Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends," a Hunter New England Health spokesperson said.

Of the 1,554 recorded cases:

• 438 from Lake Macquarie LGA
• 240 from Newcastle LGA
• 163 from Maitland LGA
• 152 from Tamworth Reg. LGA
• 114 from Mid Coast LGA
• 93 from Cessnock LGA
• 73 from Port Stephens LGA
• 69 from Inverell LGA
• 46 from Armidale LGA
• 26 from Moree Plains LGA
• 26 from Narrabri LGA
• 22 from Gunnedah LGA
• 22 from Liverpool Plains LGA
• 15 from Singleton LGA
• 11 from Glen Innes Severn LGA
• 9 from Dungog LGA
• 9 from Muswellbrook LGA
• 9 from Upper Hunter LGA
• 8 from Gwydir LGA
• 4 from Tenterfield LGA
• 4 from Uralla LGA
• 1 from Walcha LGA

NSW Health has also extended the new self-isolation rules for critical workers to new sectors and industries.

Critical workers from certain sectors isolating as close contacts will be permitted to leave self-isolation to attend work if they have no symptoms of COVID-19.

Workers will only be eligible to leave self-isolation if their employer determines that their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities, and they are unable to work from home.

These workers must wear a mask and comply with risk management strategies put in place by their employer, including daily Rapid Antigen Tests.

Any worker who tests positive or who develops symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate.

The new rules take effect immediately and apply to critical workers in the following sectors:

• utilities which include electricity services, operation of energy systems, gas services, liquid fuels, water supply, sewerage, sanitation and drainage services and waste and resource recovery services (including collection, treatment and disposal services)
• information and telecommunications
• social assistance and welfare services
• funeral, crematorium and cemetery services
• seaport operations
• air and sea freight and logistics
• the operation of correctional centres and community corrections
• a person employed by Resilience NSW, a member of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW, or New South Wales Volunteer Rescue Association Inc.

The sectors listed above are in addition to the previously announced exemptions for:

• agriculture (biosecurity and food safety personnel undertaking critical duties)
• manufacturing (production and manufacturing of food, beverages, groceries, cleaning and sanitary products)
• transport, postal and warehousing (road and rail freight, logistics, delivery and grocery fulfilment)
• emergency services workers and healthcare workers who are necessary for the delivery of critical services and who cannot work from home.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The latest figures from Hunter New England Health indicate most regions are taking testing for COVID-19 seriously with some of the highest numbers recorded to date. 

The COVID-19 crisis is the Hunter continues to explode with 820 new infections diagnosed overnight but while cases soar the testing numbers are keeping up. 

Newcastle recorded 326 new cases in the past 24-hours but they have also seen the largest administration of tests throughout the week. 

From December 12 until December 19, there as been 40,296 tests conducted. 

According to Hunter New England Health the figure is likely to change in the coming days with more added to the tally. 

The highest testing day for Newcastle was December 17 with 7,823 tests delivered. 

The Upper Hunter has seen 5,244 tests conducted in the same time frame. 

* This data is current as of 6pm 20  December. However, due to a delay in the upload of lab results, numbers for 20 December are unavailable and testing numbers for 19 December are likely to increase.

There were 930 tests in Muswellbrook, 3,437 in Singleton and 877 in the Upper Hunter shire local government areas.

It follows as COVID-19 cases continue to trickle into the district with 15 new cases reported across those three LGAs. 

Seven were diagnosed in Muswellbrook and Singleton, while one was identified in the Upper Hunter.

There are currently 5,169 active cases in the Hunter New England with 14 of those active cases being cared for in hospitals and one in ICU.

Hunter New Flatland Health is urging residents who can receive their vaccination to do so and book in for a booster if eligible.

Walk in appointments, including for boosters are available at the Belmont Hub for all people who received their second vaccination more than 5 months ago.

"We also strongly encourage the community to continue to wear masks, particularly in indoor environments and avoid crowded venues and indoor gatherings," a HNEH spokesperson said.

Image: Grant Broadcasters, Hunter New England Health

 

There are still thousands of active cases of COVID-19 present within the Hunter New England regions as daily infections once again hit the 600s threshold. 

Hunter New England Health revealed there is 5,723 active cases in the districts, 11 of which are being cared for in hospital and one who remains in ICU. 

In retrospect, the number of active cases across the whole district is smaller than anticipated.

According to the ABS 2016 estimates Healthstats, the population of the Hunter New England regions combine is 920,370.

Therefore, there is 0.62% of the entire district currently infected with the virus. 

It follows as Hunter New England Health announced 623 new active cases in the past 24-hours, which is 197 less than yesterday's figures.

The Upper Hunter recorded seven new cases overnight, eight less than previously noted yesterday. 

The newest infections included five in Singleton and two in Muswellbrook local government areas. 

There were no new cases identified in the Upper Hunter Shire. 

New South Wales continues to climb in daily infections with the state diagnosing 3,763 locally acquired infections.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

Walk-in vaccination clinics are coming to Quirindi and Werris creek this weekend. 

Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson have worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to organize the pop-up hubs. 

Both clinics will be administering the Pfizer vaccine the ages of 12 and up, and no appointments will be required. 

Residents can cross LGA borders to receive the vaccination and anyone who attends are required to bring a Medicare card, identification and water.

It follows the success of vaccination clinics that popped up in the Upper Hunter over the past weekend. 

Merriwa, Muswellbrook and Singleton hosted their own jab sites which saw a combined total of more than 1300 residents attend.

The dates and times are listed below:

WERRIS CREEK VACCINATION CLINIC

Where: Railway Institute Hall 

When: Saturday, September 18th

Time: 10:30am-3:30pm

QUIRINDI VACCINATION CLINIC

Where: Quirindi High School Auditorium 

When: Sunday, September 19th

Time: 10:30am-3:30pm

For further information visit the Liverpool Plains Shire Council website. 

Image Credit: Pixabay

Upper Hunter residents seeking a COVID-19 vaccination can roll up their sleeves at a pop-up clinic in Cessnock today. 

The Cessnock PCYC will host the walk-in Pfizer hub from 10am until 1pm and its available for anyone needing a first, second or third shot.

Children aged between 5-11 years will also have an opportunity to receive a jab.

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) said with kids set to return to the classroom next week, now is the perfect time to book their COVID-19 vaccination.

"Being together in the classroom is the most effective way for students to learn and grow, and the vaccine helps to keep kids in school and participating in the social activities that are important to them and their development," a HNEH spokesperson said.

Residents who require a booster shot and are within the three month time frame are also being advised to make the most of the vaccination opportunities. 

"Boosters can enhance your protection against the Omicron variant of COVID-19," a HNEH spokesperson said.

"Current studies show that having a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can increase vaccine effectiveness for Omicron to around 86.2% against symptomatic infection (catching COVID-19) and around 98.2% against severe infection (hospitalisation and death).

"This means that approximately only one in seven people who have had a booster will experience symptoms when they get COVID-19," they said.

Image: NSW Health

Quirindi residents are being advised to monitor for any COVID-related symptoms. 

Hunter New England Health have confirmed viral fragments have been detected in the sewage plant at Quirindi where there are currently no known cases.

The same warning has been handed to Murrurundi residents and Merriwa residents over this week as positive readings have returned at the different sewage plants respectively. 

Hunter New England Health are asking residents to come forward for testing even if they experience the mildest of symptoms. 

The Upper Hunter Shire and Liverpool Plains have sat below triple figures when it comes to testing rates. 

The Upper Hunter Shire recorded its highest day of 86 on November 24, and a high of 64 in the last three days. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool Plains has seen a maximum of 22 tests conducted in the past week on November 25, and a high of 20 in the last three days. 

* This data is current as of 6pm 2^nd December. However, due to a delay in the upload of lab results, numbers for 2^nd December are unavailable and testing numbers for 1^st  December  are likely to increase.

Image: Grant Broadcasters, Hunter New England Health 

The Hunter New England Health District has reached a record high with 82 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in the past 24-hours. 

It takes the total number in the current outbreak to 919 - with currently 600 active cases.

There are 13 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and two are in ICU.

Of the new cases, 48 are linked, nine  are unlinked, and 25 are still under investigation.

There were 34 were infectious in the community, 27 isolating while infectious and 21 that are still under investigation.

There are 598 close contacts in isolation throughout the district.

A list of the newly confirmed are below:

21 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 4 in Edgeworth

- 2 in Woodrising

- 2 in Windale

- 2 in Belmont South

- 1 in Toronto

- 1 in Cooranbong

- 1 in Mirrabooka

- 1 in Booragul

- 1 in Charlestown

- 1 in Dudley

- 1 in Gateshead

- 1 in Glendale

- 1 in Belmont

- 1 in Marks Point

- 1 in Murrays Beach

19 are from Cessnock LGA

- 7 in Kurri Kurri

- 5 in Weston

- 2 in Cliftleigh

- 1 in Cessnock

- 1 in Heddon Greta

- 1 in Kitchener

- 1 in Laguna

- 1 in Neath

17 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 in Wallsend

- 3 in Mayfield

- 2 in New Lambton

- 2 in Newcastle

- 1 in Merewether

- 1 in Tarro

- 1 in Adamstown

- 1 in Hamilton South

- 1 in Mayfield East

- 1 in Waratah West

- 1 in Rankin Park

17 are from Maitland LGA

- 12 in Woodberry

- 1 in Rutherford

- 1 in Thornton

- 1 in East Maitland

- 1 in South Maitland

- 1 in Farley

 4 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 2 in Raymond Terrace

- 1 in Fern Bay

- 1 in Medowie

4 are from Mid-Coast LGA

- 3 in Gloucester

- 1 in Pampoolah

COVID-19 continues to creep into the Upper Hunter with the highest number of infections recorded in weeks. 

There are 19 newly confirmed cases which included eight in Singleton, seven in Muswellbrook and four within the Upper Hunter Shire local government areas.

The Hunter New England regions continue to explode in daily case numbers with a further 633 infections identified in the past 24-hours. 

Newcastle recorded the highest case numbers of 267, while Lake Macquarie follows behind at 213. 

Of the 633 new cases:

- 267 are from Newcastle LGA

- 213 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 45 are from Maitland LGA

- 40 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 30 are from Cessnock LGA

- 8 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 8 are from Singleton LGA

- 7 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 4 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 4 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 3 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 1 is from Dungog LGA

- 1 is from Gunnedah LGA

- 1 is from Inverell LGA

- 1 is from Moree Plains LGA

There are currently 1,452 active cases throughout the Hunter New England Health District. 

Nine of the active cases are currently in hospital and there two in ICU. 

NSW HEALTH are urging the local Newcastle community to seriously consider deferring any social events in Newcastle until after Christmas in order to help keep family Christmas gatherings safe, and to help protect their loved ones, the vulnerable and our essential workers.

NSW Health issued a public health alert for The Cambridge Hotel, 789 Hunter Street, Newcastle.

Anyone who attended The Cambridge Hotel from 6.30pm Friday 10 December to 2.30am Saturday 11 December is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for seven days.

As well as Finnegan's Hotel from 6.30pm Friday 10 December to 2.30am Saturday 11 December and The Argyle House nightclub from 9pm on Wednesday 8 December to 3am on Thursday 9 December.

"Given the high transmission of COVID-19 at these venues, we ask household contacts of anyone who attended to also immediately get tested and isolate until they and the close contact tests negative," NSW Health said.

Meanwhile, New South Wales leaped in their overall figures with 1,742 locally acquired infections overnight.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

Seven new cases of COVID-19 have been identified within the Hunter regions.

The newly announced take the total number in the current outbreak to 239 - with 109 active cases.

Two are from Lake Macquarie LGA - located in Hillsborough and Cooranbong.

Two are from Port Stephens LGA - both located within Shoal Bay and linked to their cluster. 

One is from Maitland LGA - located in Thornton.

One is from Newcastle LGA - located in Elemore Vale. This case is unlinked to known infections and is under investigation. 

One is from Mid-Coast LGA - located in Booral. This case is also of unknown origins and health experts are investigating this link.

Seven of the total active cases people are currently being cared for in hospital, while one is in ICU.

Four people were infectious while in the community and there are currently 463 close contacts in isolation.

New South Wales recorded 1,220 new locally acquired cases in the past 24-hours. 

There were eight deaths overnight including a woman in her 70s at Dubbo Hospital. 

Upper Hunter residents are being urged to stay diligent with viral fragments of COVID-19 detected in Denman sewage. 

Hunter New England Health are asking residents to monitor for any COVID-related symptoms and be mindful during this time. 

"We have been notified of recent detections of COVID-19 virus fragments from the Denman and Uralla sewage treatment plants, where there are no known cases.

"We continue to urge everyone in this area to come forward for testing even if they have the mildest of symptoms so we can identify any unknown cases in the community and reduce transmission," Hunter New England Health said. 

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

There has been a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases across the Hunter in the past 24-hours. 

27 new cases were identified within the Hunter New England Health District, bringing the overall total in the current outbreak to 351.

Eight of the new cases are from Lake Macquarie LGA - Two in Charlestown and Mount Hutton, and one in Cardiff South, Windale, Fishing Point and Wyee Point.

Seven are from Newcastle LGA - Five in Mayfield, One in Hamilton South and Elermore Vale.

Seven are also from Maitland LGA  - Six in Tenambit and one in Beresfield.

Three are from Cessnock LGA - two in Cessnock and one in Cliftleigh.

Two are from Port Stephens LGA - one in Shoal Bay and one in Fingal Bay.

There are 13 cases that are linked to two separate clusters including the Mayfield/Charlestown and Tenambit.

The sources for these clusters is unknown.

12 people were infectious in the community, while 12 were at in isolation during their infectious period. 

Three cases are currently under investigation. 

For more information visit the Hunter New England Health website. 

A COVID-19 testing clinic in Singleton Heights will remain closed for the remainder of this week. 

Hunter New Health advised Singleton Council that the testing clinic at Alroy Oval will not be open until January 9. 

It follows from yesterday where Singleton Hospital closed their testing facilities due to staffing pressures. 

"We understand the frustrations of the community around the closures of these clinics however these decisions are outside our authority.

"We will continue to update you on opening times as they become available," a Singleton Council spokesperson said.

The Singleton local government area recorded 192 new cases of the virus over the long weekend. 

It included 45 on New Years Day, 34 on Sunday and a record high if 113 yesterday.

For alternative testing facilities please go to COVID-19 Clinics.

Image: Grant Broadcasters

 

Hunter New England Health confirmed a further three people passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19 including one resident from Singleton. 

The newly confirmed deaths included two men and one woman from the Singleton, Tamworth and Newcastle local government areas.

One resident was aged in their 60s, another in their 90s and the third was 100-years-old. 

It follows as the Hunter New England (HNE) recorded the highest number of positive cases out of all health districts across New South Wales. 

Of the 11,807 positive cases across the state, the HNE diagnosed 1,636 which were comprised of 791 positive PCR tests and 845 rapid antigen tests (RATs). 

Hospitalisation numbers are still on the decline in the region. 

There are currently 59 patients receiving care in hospitals, which is five less than the day prior. 

There are currently two people in intensive care units. 

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

An Upper Hunter man has passed away overnight after contracting the COVID-19 virus. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed the death of two Hunter men in the past 24-hours including the Singleton man in his 60s. 

The second was a man in his 80s from the Lake Macquarie local government area. 

It follows as New South Wales Health reported the state's highest fatalities in a single day with 18 deaths confirmed.

It also included six women, 11 men, and a child aged under five.

Of the six women and 11 men, one was aged in their 30s, three were aged in their 60s, four were aged in their 70s, seven were aged in their 80s and two were aged in their 90s.

A further 1,115 new cases of COVID-19 was identified in the Hunter New England regions in the past 24-hours. 

Of the newly confirmed infections, 55 were diagnosed within the Upper Hunter.

It included 23 in Muswellbrook, 18 in Singleton and 14 in the Upper Hunter Shire local government areas.

There are currently 22,486 active cases in the district.

Hospitalisation numbers have also slightly dipped overnight, with 101 people being care for in hospital and 8 in ICU.

Of the 1,115 new recorded cases:

- 284 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 203 are from Newcastle LGA

- 119 are from Maitland LGA

- 114 are from Tamworth Reg. LGA

- 70 are from Cessnock LGA

- 69 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 67 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 33 are from Armidale LGA

- 26 are from Inverell LGA

- 23 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 23 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 18 are from Singleton LGA

- 17 are from Dungog LGA

- 14 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 13 are from Narrabri LGA

- 10 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 5 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 3 are from Glen Innes Severn LGA

- 2 are from Uralla LGA

- 1 is from Tenterfield LGA

- 1 is from Walcha LGA

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/NSW_Vaccination_by_postcode.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

A woman from Singleton is the latest victim to pass away after contracting COVID-19.

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) reported the death of the 70-year-old from the Upper Hunter regions in the latest virus figures. 

It follows as a further 1,358 new cases of the infection were diagnosed across the Hunter New England Health regions - including 590 positive cases identified by PCR test and 768 by Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).

There are currently 57 cases receiving care in hospitals across the Health District and four in intensive care units.

New South Wales recorded 10,698 positive test results in the past 24 hours - including 6,122 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 4,576 positive PCR tests.

Across the state, there are 2,494  cases admitted to hospital, including 160 people in intensive care, 75 of whom require ventilation.

Upper Hunter residents still seeking a COVID-19 vaccination will have an opportunity this weekend with a walk-in clinic opening.

The Cessnock PCYC will host a second pop-up Pfizer Hub on Sunday, giving locals a chance to receive their first, second or booster shot.

The clinic will run from 10am until 1pm and there are no appointment requirements.

It follows as NSW Health announced adolescents aged between 16 and 17 are now eligible for their third dose so long as its been over three months since the second jab.

"Studies show that immunity against COVID-19 begins to wane over time - Boosters strengthen your protection up to 86% against infection and 98% against serious illness.

"You can get the booster after you have recovered from COVID-19, for most people this is about 4-6 weeks.

"We know that people who had the Delta strain have had COVID-19 again, so getting a booster can help remind your immune system and build longer lasting immunity," a NSW Health spokesperson said.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

Three Hunter residents have passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19.

Hunter New England Health confirmed the latest deaths of an 80-year-old woman from the Mid-Coast, an 80-year-old man from Maitland and a 70-year-old man from Dungog and man.

It follows as hospitalisation numbers throughout the district continue to decline with 41 cases reported in hospital - six less than the day before.

There are currently three people in intensive care units.

Hunter New England once again recorded the highest total of daily cases across the health districts in New South Wales.

There were 1,624 infections detected in the regions overnight. 

The newly confirmed were identified by 678 positive PCR tests and 964 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs).

The state saw 10,130 positive test results in the last 24 hours – including 5,824 positive RATs and 4,306 positive PCR tests.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The Upper Hunter regions has recorded three new COVID-19 cases in Singleton overnight.

It follows as the Hunter New England Health District identified 61 new cases. 

The newly confirmed take the overall total in the current outbreak to 2,491 - with 693 currently active.

21 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital and four are currently in ICU.

33 are linked, 18 are unlinked, and 10 are still under investigation.

29 were infectious in the community and 22 were isolating while infectious.

Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded 345 locally acquired cases in the past 24-hours.

A breakdown of today's COVID-19 figures:

17 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Mayfield

- 2 from Wallsend

- 1 from Adamstown

- 1 from Carrington

- 1 from Fletcher

- 1 from Hamilton South

- 1 from Maryland

- 1 from Mayfield West

- 1 from Merewether

- 1 from New Lambton

- 1 from North Lambton

- 1 from Tarro

- 1 from Tighes Hill

- 1 from Waratah West

10 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 2 from Belmont North

- 1 from Belmont

- 1 from Bolton Point

- 1 from Cardiff

- 1 from Cardiff Heights

- 1 from Gateshead

- 1 from Macquarie Hills

- 1 from Whitebridge

- 1 from Windale

9 are from MidCoast LGA

- 5 from Harrington

- 4 from Taree

7 are from Cessnock LGA

- 2 from Cessnock

- 1 from Abermain

- 1 from Cliftleigh

- 1 from Ellalong

- 1 from Kearsley

- 1 from Kurri Kurri

6 are from Maitland LGA

- 2 from Gillieston Heights

- 1 from East Maitland

- 1 from Rutherford

- 1 from Telarah

- 1 from Thornton

4 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 2 from Raymond Terrace

- 1 from Brandy Hill

- 1 from Medowie

4 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 2 from Tamworth

- 1 from East Tamworth

- 1 from Oxley Vale

3 are from Singleton LGA

- 2 from Singleton Heights

- 1 from Singleton

1 is from Dungog LGA

- 1 from Vacy

For further information visit the Hunter New England Health website. 

Image: Grant Broadcasters

The Hunter New England recorded a further three deaths in relation to COVID-19 overnight. 

According to New South Wales Health it included two men from the Lake Macquarie LGA and one man from the Newcastle region. 

They were aged in their 60s, 70s and 80s respectively. 

Hospitalisation numbers in the regions have continued to lower with 92 identified as receiving care in hospital - eight less than recorded the day prior. 

There is currently 5 people in intensive care units. 

It follows as the Hunter New England Regions recorded a further 2,929 cases of coronavirus in the past 24-hours. 

The newest infections included 1,654 positive results from a PCR test and 1,266 confirmed by rapid antigen tests (RATs). 

New South Wales recorded 30,825 positive test results]including 13,178 positive RATs and 17,647 positive PCR tests.

There are currently 2,781 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 212 people in intensive care, 68 of whom require ventilation.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified within Singleton in the past 24-hours. 

It includes one in Hunterview and one in Singleton itself. 

It follows after 62 new cases were recorded across the Hunter New England Health District. 

The newly confirmed take the overall total in the current outbreak to 2,355 - with 1,049 cases currently active. 

24 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital. 3 are currently in ICU.

Tragically, a man in his 40s from the Maitland LGA died in Maitland Hospital with COVID-19.

He had not received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

40 were infectious in the community, 23 were isolating while infectious and three are still under investigation.

A breakdown of today's COVID-19 cases:

22 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 3 from Macquarie Hills

- 3 from Mount Hutton

- 2 from Cardiff Heights

- 2 Edgeworth

- 2 from Holmesville

- 2 from Windale

- 2 from Wyee

- 1 from Belmont

- 1 from Carey Bay

- 1 from Charlestown

- 1 from Toronto

- 1 from Warners Bay

- 1 from West Wallsend

10 are from Newcastle LGA

- 3 from Hamilton South

- 2 from Wallsend

- 1 from Birmingham Gardens

- 1 from Jesmond

- 1 from Mayfield

- 1 from Newcastle West

- 1 from North Lambton

8 are from Cessnock LGA

- 3 from Abermain

- 2 from Cessnock

- 1 from Aberdare

- 1 from Pelaw Main

- 1 from Weston

7 are from Maitland LGA

- 2 from Horseshoe Bend

- 2 from Woodberry

- 1 from Gillieston Heights

- 1 from Metford

- 1 from Rutherford

5 are from MidCoast LGA

- 4 from Taree

- 1 from Killabakh

5 are from Tamworth LGA

- 4 from West Tamworth

- 1 from Tamworth

3 is from Port Stephens LGA

- 3 from Raymond Terrace

2 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 from Hunterview

- 1 from Singleton

Hunter New England Health has confirmed two women have passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19. 

A woman in her 70s and one in her 80s died at the Warabrook Aged Care facility in Newcastle which is where they contracted their infections. 

"The woman in her 90s had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.

"The woman in her 70s had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.

"Our sincere condolences go out to their family and friends," a spokesperson from Hunter New England Health said.

It follows as 775 new cases of the infection was diagnosed across the Hunter New England regions in the past 24-hours. 

There are 7,743 active cases in the district, 31 of which are being cared for in hospital while three remain in ICU. 

Of the 775 new cases:

- 187 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 185 are from Newcastle LGA

- 122 are from Maitland LGA

- 55 are from Cessnock LGA

- 52 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 47 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 31 are from Singleton LGA

- 26 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 14 are from Narrabri LGA

- 12 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 9 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 8 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 8 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 7 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 4 are from Inverell LGA

- 3 are from Dungog LGA

- 2 are from Uralla LGA

- 1 is from Glen Innes LGA

- 1 is from Gwydir LGA

- 1 is from Liverpool Plains LGA

Meanwhile, New South Wales almost doubled in case numbers overnight, recording the highest to date. 

There was 11,201 locally acquired infections of COVID-19, compared to the 6,062 identified the day prior. 

Image: Grant Broadcasters

Two men from the Hunter have passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19. 

Hunter New England Health confirmed the latest deaths were from the Cessnock and Newcastle local government areas. 

They were in their 60s and 80s respectively. 

The Hunter New England has detected the highest daily case totals of all the health districts across the state. 

Of the 10,312 new cases identified in New South Wales, 1,550 were from the region. 

The figures were comprised of 913 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and 637 positive PCR tests. 

There are currently 47 COVID-19 cases receiving care in hospital and there are four people in intensive care units. 

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

 

Six cases of COVID-19 were identified in the Upper Hunter regions in the past 24-hours. 

Three in Muswellbrook, two in Singleton (in Singleton and Singleton Heights) and one in the Upper Hunter Shire (Merriwa). 

A spokesperson from Hunter New England Health told Radio Hunter Valley News that five of the cases were infectious while in the community. 

One individual in Muswellbrook were completely isolated during their infectious period. 

They also confirmed risk assessment is underway and the necessary close contacts have already been informed. 

Hunter New England Health are currently analyzing any venues of concern. 

 

 

Another two cases of COVID-19 have been identified within the Upper Hunter regions. 

Hunter New England Health recorded one in the Muswellbrook LGA and one in Singleton. 

Heading north of the Valley, Gunnedah confirmed six new cases and Liverpool Plains in Werris Creek confirmed one. 

Of the new cases, 34 were infectious while in the community and 37 cases are linked to previously known clusters. 

There are 903 active cases across the Hunter regions. 

25 of the active cases are in hospital and three are in ICU. 

A breakdown of today's figures can be viewed below:

27 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 4 in Charlestown

- 3 in Edgeworth

- 2 in Mount Hutton

- 2 in Gateshead

- 2 in Morisset

- 2 in Belmont

- 1 in Toronto

- 1 in Blackalls Park

- 1 in Warners Bay

- 1 in Windale

- 1 in Dora Creek

- 1 in Woodrising

- 1 in Cameron Park

- 1 in Cardiff Heights

- 1 in Caves Beach

- 1 in Kahibah

- 1 in Morisset Park

- 1 in Wakefield

13 are from Maitland LGA

- 5 in Woodberry

- 3 in Ashtonfield

- 2 in Rutherford

- 1 in Cliftleigh

- 1 in Maitland

- 1 in Gillieston Heights

8 are from Newcastle LGA

- 4 in Merewether

- 1 in Wallsend

- 1 in Mayfield

- 1 in Shortland

- 1 in Elermore Vale

6 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 4 in Gunnedah -

1 in Carroll

- 1 in Kelvin

4 are from Cessnock LGA

- 3 in Cessnock

- 1 in Abermain

2 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 1 in Lemon Tree Passage

- 1 in Nelson Bay

2 are from Mid-Coast LGA

- 1 in Purfleet

- 1 in Taree

1 is from Singleton LGA

- 1 in Singleton

1 is from Muswellbrook LGA

- 1 in Muswellbrook South

1 is from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 1 in Werris Creek

 

Many Upper Hunter residents are eligible to book in their booster shots sooner with changes interval dates set to shorten as of tomorrow. 

NSW Health announced the intervals between second doses and booster shots has been brought forward to three months, allowing state-run clinics to offer jabs to more people. 

The change from a four-month interval to three months means there are now an additional 3.55 million people in NSW who can book in for their third dose of vaccine.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said being triple vaccinated offers extra protection against the effects of the Omicron variant.

“The advice is clear – getting boosted means there’s less chance you’ll get the virus and, if you do, the effects are generally much milder,” Mr Perrottet said.

“That’s why we are offering more people the opportunity to get the booster sooner.

“I urge everyone who is eligible to get boosted to do so as soon as possible. This will help to protect our older population, as well as vulnerable members of the community.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 40 state-run vaccination clinics spread throughout NSW as well as mobile outreach locations that these clinics visit.

“Along with public health safety measures including wearing masks indoors, working from home where practicable, not singing and dancing and minimising the size of gatherings in homes, the other big protection is getting a booster vaccination.  Being able to get that booster at 3 months after your second dose gives the opportunity to be much safer, much sooner,” Mr Hazzard said.

“In addition to the state facilities opening at three months for boosters, individuals can still attend with their GPs or pharmacies when the Federal Government authorises them to provide boosters at three months, in due course.”

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance Susan Pearce, who leads the NSW Health vaccination rollout, said the change to the vaccine schedule in NSW will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus.

“As we face into the challenges brought of the Omicron variant, a booster dose will ensure people have increased immunity, and a lower risk of requiring hospital treatment,” Ms Pearce said.

A total of 440,681 third doses of COVID-19 vaccines has been administered in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.

NSW Health is contacting people who are registered in the NSW Health vaccination booking system with a reminder text message.

Clinics will offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people aged 18 years and over.

Eligible people can also receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from their GP and participating community pharmacies.

A booster vaccination can be booked through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Image: NSW Health

An Upper Hunter woman has passed away overnight after contracting COVID-19.

The Muswellbrook resident was in her 80s and has become the second death recorded from the districts in the past 48 hours. 

A second woman, aged in her 80s from Cessnock, was also reported to have passed away.

Case numbers have continued to trickle into the Upper Hunter with a further 152 new infections diagnosed today. 

It included 65 in the Muswellbook Shire, 46 in Singleton and 41 in the Upper Hunter Shire. 

Hunter New England in total recorded 1,661 new cases. 

There are currently 24,146 active cases throughout the regions, with 106 of those cases are being cared for in hospital and nine are in ICU.

New South Wales recorded 25,870 locally acquired infections.

There are currently 2,186 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 170 people in intensive care, 51 of whom require ventilation.

A breakdown of Hunter New England cases:

- 370 are from Newcastle LGA

- 342 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 210 are from Maitland LGA

- 148 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 138 are from Cessnock LGA

- 131 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 100 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 65 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 46 are from Singleton LGA

- 41 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 19 are from Narrabri LGA

- 11 are from Dungog LGA

- 10 are from Inverell LGA

- 9 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 6 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 5 are from Armidale LGA

- 4 are from Gwydir LGA

- 4 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 1 is from Tenterfield LGA

- 1 is from Uralla LGA

Residents are reminded if they are directed to get tested for COVID‑19 or self-isolate at any time, they must follow the self-isolation rules.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms it is still important that you have a test and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result.

To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.

Image: 2NM/PowerFM

The Upper Hunter electorate has reached a vaccination milestone with the entire electorate above the 80 percent threshold. 

NSW Health Data revealed as of October 31st, the Upper Hunter Shire achieved a 93.4 percent double dose rate with Singleton behind at 88.9 and Muswellbrook at 84.4. 

Singleton and the Upper Hunter Shire are both sitting over 95 percent for their first jab while Muswellbrook is marginally behind at 94.4. 

Reaching the state-wide target of 80 percent falls in line with the New South Wales Government's plans to reopen regional boarders this week. 

As of Monday, travelling between Greater Sydney and the Hunter is now permissible. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said it was a great effort by all and its a great excuse for families to get together again. 

To strengthen the vaccination rates in the Muswellbrook local government area, another Pfizer vaccination clinic will open on Friday, November 5. 

It will be held at the Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre on Rutherford Road from 1pm until 6pm. 

A breakdown of the Upper Hunter's vaccination rates:

Dungog: >95% 1st dose, 89.7% 2nd Dose

Liverpool Plains: 92.2% 1st dose, 81.4% 2nd Dose

Maitland: >95% 1st dose, 90.7% 2nd Dose

Mid-Coast: >95% 1st dose, 85.8% 2nd Dose (includes Gloucester and Stroud)

Muswellbrook: 94.4% 1st dose, 84.4% 2nd Dose

Singleton: >95% 1st dose, 88.9% 2nd Dose

Upper Hunter: - >95% 1st dose, 93.4% 2nd Dose

Residents of Murrurundi are being urged to monitor for COVID-related symptoms after NSW Health confirmed positive viral fragments in the sewage at Murrurundi. 

There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 within Murrurundi. 

It follows after viral fragments were detected in the sewage at Merriwa yesterday. 

NSW Health and Upper Hunter Shire Council are advising residents with the mildest of symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.

"Everyone who has been to Murrurundi recently is urged to monitor for the onset of symptoms, and if they appear, to immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

"If you are directed to get tested for COVID 19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the self-isolation rules.

"If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result," Upper Hunter Shire Council said.

Image: Grant Broadcasters