Although COVID-19 numbers dropped overnight in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), it continues to be the state’s worst region.
The HNELHD detected 1,012 new cases – a reduction of 170 in the past 24 hours – but, tragically, recorded another two coronavirus-related deaths.
It is understood the fatalities occurred in the Port Stephens and Lower Hunter regions.
Unfortunately, no other details were available from HNELHD.
All up, the region registered 636 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 376 PCRs.
NSW Health is encouraging everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccination or their booster dose to book into a clinic or another provider without delay.
Overall, there were 6,686 positive test results throughout the state as of 4pm on Saturday 12 February – including 4,301 RATs and 2,385 PCRs.
Sadly, NSW Health reported a total of 22 deaths; 13 men and nine women.
Of the 22 people who passed away, one was in their 40s, one was in their 50s, two were in their 60s, four were in their 70s, nine were in their 80s, four were in their 90s and one was over 100.
Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.
Three people who died were aged under 65.
All of them had received two doses of a vaccine but suffered underlying health conditions.
A man in his 40s died at Junee Correctional Centre on 26 January and is being reported today.
Of those aged over 65 years, two were fully-vaccinated, nine had received two doses and eight were unvaccinated.
Five people were from western Sydney, four were from south-western Sydney, three were from south- eastern Sydney, two were from the Central Coast, two were from the Shellharbour region, one was from the Taree region, one was from the Port Stephens region, one was from inner Sydney, one was from the Lower Hunter region, one was from the Tweed region and one was from a correctional setting.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,715.
There are currently 1,614 cases admitted to hospital, including 93 people in intensive care, 42 of whom require ventilation.
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