It appears the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is in for a COVID-Christmas, after 424 new cases were detected overnight.

Of the discoveries, the Newcastle LGA recorded the highest number with 243 while Lake Macquarie reported 76 infections.

The Maitland LGA added 69 while Port Stephens detected 18 and Cessnock found seven.

Singleton registered two infections with the remaining cases in the Mid Coast (four), Moree Plains (two), Tamworth Regional (two) and Armidale Regional LGAs.

Officials remain concerned about the escalation in transmission in the Newcastle region, with venues linked to infections who are likely to have the Omicron variant.

“It is likely that the overwhelming majority of the cases there will be the Omicron variant,” an NSW Health spokesperson said.

“Anyone who attended Finnegan’s Hotel from 6.30pm on Friday 10 December to 2.30am on Saturday 11 December is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for seven days.

“Anyone who attended The Argyle House nightclub from 9pm on Wednesday 8 December to 3am on Thursday 9 December has been assessed as a close contact, too.

“They must immediately get tested and isolate for seven days.

“Please then minimise your mixing with other people and avoid high-risk settings for the next week.

“Given the high transmission of COVID-19 at these venues, we ask household contacts of anyone who attended to also immediately get tested and isolate until they and the close contact tests negative.

“With most COVID-19 restrictions eased today, we are urging everyone across the community to continue to practice COVID-Safe behaviours.”

Due to an increased number of COVID-19 infections within the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs, as well as a bigger demand for more testing clinics in the areas, the following clinics will be operating under extended hours for the remainder of this week:

• Wickham Histopath Pathology Drive-through Clinic (42 Honeysuckle Drive, Wickham): until Sunday, from 8am to 8pm
• Adamstown Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic (91 Victoria Street, Adamstown): until Sunday, from 7.30am to 6pm

In response to the significant increase in COVID-19 cases, HNELHD is also enacting temporary visitor restrictions at hospitals and health facilities across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter.

“These measures are being put in place to protect our patients and visitors, as well as our staff who continue to provide quality of care during this peak period,” a spokesperson said.

“A maximum of one visitor per patient per day will be allowed into these facilities.

“Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for compassionate or extenuating circumstances such as those in a critical condition, receiving palliative care or visiting a new sibling.

“To keep everyone safe in our facilities, all visitors must pass a screening process prior to entry.

“Those who are unwell or with cold or flu-like symptoms, who have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results or known to have visited an exposure site, will be asked to reschedule their visit.

“Visitors must be double-vaxxed and adhere to hand-hygiene and infection control instructions from our staff, as well as wear a surgical mask, check-in via the QR code on-site and maintain social distancing at all times.

“We know this is challenging.

“However, the safety of patients, staff and visitors is paramount.”

Meanwhile, NSW recorded a further 1,360 cases as of Tuesday 14 December.

A total of 110 included the Omicron variant.

Sadly, NSW Health reported the death of a woman from south-western Sydney in her 90s who died at the Gillawarna Village Aged Care Facility in George’s Hall, where she acquired her infection.

She had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.

This is the third death linked to an outbreak at this facility.

There are currently 166 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 24 people in intensive care, seven of whom require ventilation.

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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