A total of 106 COVID-19 cases, and one death, over the weekend highlights the harsh reality of the virus’ impact in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).
And, with regional travel opening up on Monday 1 November, that figure could fluctuate greatly over the next week.
Thankfully, overnight, the HNELHD recorded just 33 new infections, following 73 – and a single fatality – the previous day.
However, NSW Health’s ongoing sewage surveillance program has detected fragments of the virus in sewage samples collected from across the state, including Dungog and Branxton.
Everyone in the area is urged to monitor for the onset of symptoms and, if they appear, to immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
The 33 HNELHD cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 3,050, with 824 active.
The Lake Macquarie LGA unveiled the most with 11, throughout Jewells, Blacksmiths, Belmont North, Cardiff, Speers Point, Warners Bay and Windale.
Six infections appeared in the Newcastle LGA (North Lambton, Mayfield, Maryland, Islington and Elermore Vale) and five apiece in the Maitland (Gillieston Heights, East Maitland) and Cessnock LGAs (Cessnock, Greta, Heddon Greta, Kurri Kurri).
Port Stephens LGA detected four at Tanilba Bay and Raymond Terrace, with one in the Singleton LGA, too, at Stanhope.
Tamworth LGA also registered one.
Twenty-one cases are linked, 24 were infectious in the community and two remain under investigation.
Meanwhile, NSW recorded 177 locally-acquired cases as of 8pm on Saturday 30 October.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the total was “great news”.
While modelling had predicted an increase in diagnoses and hospitalisations in October, authorities were “really happy” to see that never eventuated, he added.
“The community was still going to get tested at good numbers and more people were being vaccinated every day,” Mr Hazzard said.
“I have a sense of confidence that the community is still with us on the journey.”
Sadly, NSW Health reported the death of a woman in her 70s from south-western Sydney.
She passed away at Concord Hospital.
The woman was not vaccinated.
As of 11.59pm on Friday 29 October, across NSW, 93.5% of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of vaccine, and 87.5% were fully-vaccinated.
If you need to get tested for COVID-19 there are more than 400 clinics open across NSW.
For a complete list and booking details, visit: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx
For our latest COVID-19 news, click here.
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