COVID-19 cases have spiked in the Hunter overnight, with 15 new infections detected throughout the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Muswellbrook LGAs.

Overall, the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) recorded 21, taking the total number in the current outbreak to 4,285, with 489 still active.

Only six appeared in the Mid-Coast and Armidale LGAs.

The Newcastle LGA uncovered seven cases in the past 24 hours, with three in Maryland, two in North Lambton and one each in Hamilton South and Lambton.

The Lake Macquarie LGA discovered a further six, with three apiece in Cardiff and Macquarie Hills.

A resident from Denman added to the Muswellbrook LGA’s tally, while the Port Stephens LGA also boasted a solitary infection, this time at Williamtown.

Sixteen are linked, nine were infectious in the community and one remains under investigation.

Five are currently being cared for in hospital, with one person in ICU.

Meanwhile, NSW recorded 235 locally-acquired cases of COVID-19 as of 8pm on Friday 26 November.

One-hundred and seventy-four people have been admitted to hospital, with 26 in intensive care, 10 of whom require ventilation.

Across NSW, 94.5% of residents aged 16 and older have received a first dose of a vaccine, and 92.3% are fully-vaccinated.

NSW Health reports it is working closely with the commonwealth and other states and territories to rapidly understand the implications of the new COVID-19 variant of concern, Omicron.

Thankfully, no cases have been identified in NSW to date.

“We are urging all travellers who have been in southern Africa, including South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Eswatini, in the 14 days before arriving in Australia to get a COVID-19 test and isolate immediately,” a spokesperson said.

“All people in the household should also isolate until further notice.

“Travellers who have been in southern Africa are asked to call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.

“We are also contacting all international travellers who have arrived in the past 14 days by text message and phone asking anyone who has been in southern Africa to get a test and isolate and to remind all other travellers of their testing requirements.

“The emergence of this new variant reinforces the critical importance of all fully-vaccinated travellers who return from overseas complying with the NSW Health guidelines.

“There are requirements to be tested and restrictions on attending certain high-risk premises.

“People who have arrived from overseas must have a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours of arriving and another test around day six.

“Travellers who have not been in southern Africa are not required to isolate while waiting for their results unless they have symptoms.

“If symptoms present at any time after arrival travellers should get tested at a PCR drive-through clinic or other COVID testing facility.

“We also encourage people planning to host overseas guests to make sure they are fully-vaccinated before the guests arrive.

“Please remind your guests of the testing requirements, to watch out for symptoms and support them to get tested and avoid high risk locations.”

If you need to get tested for COVID-19 there are more than 500 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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