The spotlight remains on the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) after 73 new COVID-19 cases, and one death, were detected overnight.

It also ensures the region, which takes in Newcastle and Tamworth, is the biggest area for infections throughout the state.

Tragically, a man in his 40s from Newcastle died at John Hunter Hospital.

He had received one dose of a vaccine and suffered underlying health issues.

Of the 73 new infections, the Lake Macquarie LGA detected the most with 19 cases, while Cessnock added eight and Maitland found six.

The Port Stephens LGA (six), Newcastle (five) and Singleton (two) also made the list.

Outside of the Hunter region, 14 cases were found in the Mid Coast LGA, three in Armidale, one in Inverell and nine in Tamworth.

Forty-nine are linked to known exposures or clusters and 42 were infectious in the community.

COVID-19 virus fragments were also detected in Muswellbrook sewage, residents have been urged to come forward for testing even if they have the mildest of symptoms.

Meanwhile, Premier Dominic Perrottet has defended the decision to delay, until Monday, travel for holidays and recreation between the areas from the 80% vaccination mark.

“That was an unpopular call for many people in Sydney, but it was the right one for regional NSW,” he said.

NSW recorded 236 locally-acquired cases in the past 24 hours.

The total number of infections in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 74,923.

Sadly, NSW Health reported another two deaths as well.

A man in his 60s from western Sydney died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

He had received one dose of a vaccine and had underlying health issues.

A man in his 80s from south-western Sydney died at Liverpool Hospital, where he acquired his infection.

Although he was fully-vaccinated, he had underlying health issues, too.

The state’s full vaccination rate stands at 87%.

In the 12-15-year-old age group, 79% have had their first dose and 58.5% are 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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