COVID-19 case numbers have dropped again in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), with 15 new infections revealed overnight, including three in the Lake Macquarie LGA.

The latest figure takes the total tally in the current outbreak to 4,264, with 502 still active.

HNELHD has also been notified of recent detections of COVID-19 virus fragments from the Denman and Mungindi sewage treatment plants, where there are no known cases.

“We continue to urge everyone in these areas 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,” public health controller Dr David Durrheim said.

Three cases appeared in the Lake Macquarie LGA, all at Macquarie Hills, with another two in the Newcastle LGA at Warabrook and Waratah West.

The remaining infections were uncovered outside the Hunter, with Moree Plains LGA registering four, Tamworth LGA three, Mid-Coast LGA two and Armidale LGA one.

Twelve are linked, six were infectious in the community and two remain under investigation.

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

Meanwhile, NSW recorded 261 locally-acquired cases as of 8pm on Thursday 25 November.

There are currently 185 people in hospital, with 27 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 92.2% are fully-vaccinated.

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

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.