COVID-19 is continuing to have a devastating impact on the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).

It comes as five people from the region passed away, including a woman in her 90s, another in her 70s and a man in his 80s from the Mid Coast as well as a man in his 60s and another in his 80s from Lake Macquarie.

It’s the fifth consecutive day that the region has reported a death.

The latest statistics also revealed that 1,615 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the district.

NSW as a whole reported 12,633 new infections and 16 deaths – eight men and eight women aged in their 20s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Of the 15 people who died over the age of 65, six people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, two people had received two doses, three people had received one dose and four people were unvaccinated.

The person who died in their 20s had received four doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had significant underlying health conditions.

There are currently 1,617 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 60 people in intensive care, 20 of whom require ventilation.

As of 6pm yesterday (Friday 22 April), household and close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case who do not have symptoms are no longer required to isolate, provided they comply with NSW Health guidelines.

Any contact who has or develops symptoms must self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19. If they return a positive test result, they must follow the requirements for people who test positive to COVID-19. If they return a negative result, they should stay home until they do not have any symptoms.

Even though people without symptoms are no longer be required to isolate, household and close contacts should still be aware that they are at increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 and should take steps to protect the people around them.

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