The Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) has suffered a double blow with two COVID-19 related deaths reported overnight.
The women, both in their 90s, were from the Maitland and Newcastle LGAs.
It comes as HNELHD detected 1,468 new cases in the past 24 hours, resulting from 957 RATs and 511 PCRs.
There are currently 25 people receiving care in hospitals across the region, too.
On a positive note, none of them are in ICU.
Overall, the state registered a further 14,034 positive test results as of 4pm on Thursday 10 March – including 8,418 RATs and 5,616 PCRs.
Everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccination, or their booster dose, is encouraged to book into a clinic or another provider without delay.
NSW Health also reported the deaths of another five people – two women and three men.
One was aged in their 70s, one was in their 80s and three were in their 90s.
Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.
The fatalities occurred in northern Sydney, western Sydney, Eden, Wagga Wagga and Shellharbour.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,973.
There are also currently 998 cases admitted to hospital, including 39 people in intensive care, 15 of whom require ventilation.
Most infections continue to be identified by RATs, particularly in regional areas.
The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is currently the dominant COVID-19 strain of concern, with both main sub-lineages of the Omicron variant (BA.1 and BA.2) circulating in NSW.
“We know how COVID-19 is spread and we know what controls it,” an NSW Health spokesperson said.
“So, we know how we can act as an individual to protect ourselves and our loved ones, as well as the older and more vulnerable members of our community.”
Four simple precautions to protect each other:
- Get your booster vaccine
- Get a test and isolate immediately if you have any COVID symptoms
- Use a mask in indoor settings where you cannot maintain a safe physical distance from others
- Clean your hands regularly
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