Muswellbrook is set to return to lockdown this evening, after an increased number of COVID-19 cases.

A stay-at-home order for the local government area (LGA) will be introduced from 6pm on Tuesday 28 September for seven days. 

The updated directive applies to anyone who has been in the area since Wednesday 22 September.

People in the LGA must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if this can’t be done at home.

NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard earlier flagged Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Muswellbrook were areas of concern.

“My strong advice is go out and get vaccinated,” he said. 

“Every part of NSW, every community, needs to understand there’s only one path out of this and that is vaccinations.”

The call comes on a day the region hit its highest number of COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with 63 infections detected in Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).

The district’s health officials continue to urge people to come forward for vaccination, providing they are not cases, contacts of cases, are not isolating, and do not have symptoms.

Muswellbrook Fair Shopping Centre was recorded as an exposure site on Wednesday 22 September from noon to 12.20pm, and Thursday 23 September from 11am to 11.15am.

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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