While the Hunter has recorded 16 new cases of COVID-19, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says the region has “stabilised”.
Hunter New England Health confirmed eight of the infections were located in the Maitland LGA, five in Newcastle, two in Lake Macquarie and one was from Port Stephens.
Of the new cases, 13 are linked to previously reported ones and three are still under investigation.
Six were infectious while in the community and two were associated with the aged-care cluster.
NSW as a whole recorded 478 new cases, with 337 of them under investigation.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant stressed to the public how important it is for the state to follow the public health order.
“Too many people are infectious in the community and it is critical that we all heed and take part in the actions we are required to undertake,” she said on Monday.
“Stay home and leave your home for the most minimum of time and every time you are out assume you have the infection or that you will come into contact with anyone else who may have the infection.
“It is critical that we protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID.”
She added Dubbo and the impact COVID-19 was having on Aboriginal communities there was of particular concern.
There are currently 391 cases admitted to hospital, with 66 people in intensive care, 28 of whom require ventilation.
Sadly, eight deaths were also recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
A man in his 80s who was not vaccinated died at Campbelltown Hospital. Another man in his 40s who had severe underlying health conditions and was not vaccinated died at Liverpool Hospital.
A woman in her 70s died at Royal North Shore Hospital.
A woman in her 80s who was not vaccinated died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She was a resident of the Wyoming Residential Aged Care Facility and is the third death linked to this cluster.
A man in his 70s who had one dose of AstraZeneca died at Liverpool Hospital. He was a patient in the geriatric ward at the hospital and is the eighth death linked to this outbreak.
A man in his 80s who was not vaccinated died at Campbelltown Hospital. Another unvaccinated man with severe underlying illness in his 80s died at Nepean Hospital.
A 15-year-old boy also died at Sydney Children’s Hospital. He was receiving treatment for a serious medical condition and was a confirmed COVID case.
It is vital that anyone who has any symptoms or is a close or casual contact, isolates and is tested immediately.
For more information on COVID-19 exposure sites or testing clinics, go to the NSW Health website.
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