A further 24 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in Hunter New England Local Health District (HNEH) residents in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (Sunday, September 19).
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Hunter New England Population Health public health physician, Dr David Durrheim said this brings the total number of cases in the district to 458 since August 5, 2021.
Of the new cases:
- Eleven are from Newcastle LGA, seven are from Lake Macquarie LGA, three are from Maitland LGA, two are from Port Stephens LGA and one is from Tamworth LGA.
- Fifteen cases were infectious in the community, eight were in isolation for their entire infectious period and one is still under investigation.
- Seventeen cases are linked to known exposures or clusters, one is unlinked, and the source of six cases is under investigation.
Dr Durrheim said HNEH continues to urge people to come forward for vaccination (providing they are not cases, contacts of cases, are not isolating, and do not have symptoms).
Those aged 12 years and above are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. Visit the Commonwealth Government's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder to make a booking.
A number of new casual contact venues have been confirmed. The latest exposure sites are published on the HNE Health Facebook page and the NSW Government website. Anyone who attended any of the following new venues listed on the specified dates and times is a casual contact (unless they have been contacted by NSW Health as close contacts) and must get tested and isolate until a negative test result is received.
| Chemistworks, Glendale (Stockland shopping Centre) Wednesday 15 September, from 10:40am to 10:45am
| Toronto Court House Tuesday 14 September, from 2:25pm to 4:05pm
| Manakish Turkish Takeaway, Toronto
- Wednesday 15 September, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm
- Thursday 16 September, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm
| Foodworks, Salt Ash Friday 17 September, from 2.05pm to 2.10pm
| Shell Gunnedah 1 Kamilaroi Hwy Thursday 16 September, from 6:25pm and 6:30pm
| Piggott's Pharmacy Hamilton, 83 Beaumont Street Wednesday 15 September, from 9am to 9:15am
NSW Health contacts close contacts of all confirmed cases and directs them to be tested and self-isolate for 14 days from last contact, regardless of the result.
Dr Durrheim said anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath, is urged to immediately get tested.
"Even people with mild symptoms, such as fatigue, new muscle aches or pains, headache, a change in taste or smell or a new runny nose, should arrange testing as quickly as possible."
All testing sites can be located via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics. Those who have also attended any of the exposure sites listed on the HNE Health Facebook page and the NSW Government website at the specified times and dates should also seek testing, regardless if they have symptoms or not and follow the NSW Health directions.
Dr Durrheim said it is also important that anyone who is currently isolating in the community with COVID-19, calls for an ambulance should they experience a deterioration in their condition, including breathlessness and dizziness.
