COVID-19 case numbers have dropped dramatically in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), with 409 new infections detected overnight.

However, there are still 7,241 active viruses in the HNELHD.

Twenty-seven of those remain in hospital, with three people in ICU.

The Lake Macquarie LGA recorded a further 126 cases, with the Newcastle LGA dipping below 100, with just 63 infections.

Forty-three were uncovered in the Maitland LGA, while 22 apiece appeared in the Cessnock and Singleton LGAs.

Port Stephens LGA discovered 16, Muswellbrook LGA 12 and Upper Hunter LGA 10.

Only two were identified in the Dungog LGA.

Outside the Hunter, Mid-Coast LGA found 28, Tamworth Regional LGA 24, Armidale LGA 14 and Moree Plains LGA 14.

Other cases were spotted in the Liverpool Plains LGA (four), Gunnedah LGA (three), Narrabri LGA (three), Gwydir LGA (two) and Walcha LGA (one).

Meanwhile, NSW registered 6,062 locally-acquired COVID-19 infections as of 8pm on Monday 27 December.

Sadly, NSW Health reported the death of a man in his 80s from western Sydney, who passed away at Nepean Hospital.

He was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.

NSW Health has also revised its approach to isolation guidelines for healthcare staff exposed to COVID-19 in the community or the workplace.

Healthcare workers essential to service delivery, who are close contacts of a COVID-19 case in the household, will now be able to leave isolation and safely return to work after seven days.

Previously these staff were excluded from the workplace for 14 days due to the requirement for close contacts to avoid high risk settings, such as hospitals, for a further seven days.

Before returning to work, staff will be required to have a negative PCR test on day six and to follow an approved risk assessment plan.

The risk assessment plan requires daily COVID-19 rapid antigen testing, COVID-safe protocols in the workplace and appropriate and effective use of personal protective equipment, including masks at all times while at work.

Other changes to reduce the number of days healthcare workers are excluded from the workplace include:

• Those who are exposed in the community by a friend or family member in a social setting will also be able to return to work following a negative PCR test on day two; and
• Those exposed in the workplace will have their isolation and testing requirements determined by a workplace risk assessment.

If you need to get tested for COVID-19 there are more than 450 clinics open across NSW.

For a complete list and booking details, visit: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx

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