Hunter New England Health has called for Upper Hunter residents with fever or a recent onset of respiratory symptoms to contact their doctor or attend free COVID-19 clinics.

As cases stabilise, Hunter New England Health is identifying areas where testing is relatively low and further investigation is needed to ensure an accurate picture of COVID-19 occurrence across the district.

“Our goal, in focusing on areas like Scone and Muswellbrook, is to be absolutely sure there is no
risk to the community there,” Public Health Physician, David Durrheim, said.

“We don’t expect to find big numbers of cases – or indeed many at all – but it’s important we know for sure.

“We will only be able to confirm that there is no issue if we increase testing.

“We are looking for people who live in Scone, Muswellbrook or surrounding communities and
have experienced fever or the recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including a cough,
shortness of breath or a sore throat.

“If you have recently travelled internationally, or on a cruise ship, or been in touch with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, we also want to hear from you.”

Scone Hospital is operating a drive through COVID-19 clinic from 1.30pm-3.30pm, Monday –
Friday.

Muswellbrook Hospital is operating a COVID-19 clinic from 1.30pm-3.30pm, seven days a week.

Signage in the main hospital carpark will direct you to the Clinic.

Dr Durrheim has also asked that anyone who is exhibiting symptoms isolate at home until they have
received further advice from their GP or local hospital.

As at 8pm on Thursday 16 April, NSW Health reported the Hunter New England region’s COVID-19 cases at 271, following the addition of one new case.

Currently, six COVID-19 patients are being cared for in Hunter New England hospitals, including one in ICU, and 16 are receiving Hospital in the Home support.