COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) after 73 fresh infections were detected overnight.
The region remains the state’s highest contributor, making up more than one-quarter of today’s 270 cases.
The South Western Sydney Local Health District is closest behind with 39 cases.
The Newcastle LGA added seven cases across Sandgate (two), Hamilton East, Jesmond, Maryville, Mayfield and Stockton.
Five cases were detected in Lake Macquarie at Cameron Park, Cardiff, Jewells, West Wallsend and Windale.
Cessnock and Maitland both added four in Bellbird, Cessnock, Weston (two), East Maitland (two) and Gillieston Heights (two).
Infections in Boat Harbour, Medowie and Raymond Terrace have added three to the Port Stephens LGA’s total.
Inverell (20), Moree Plains (20), Mid Coast (three), Tamworth (four) and Armidale (two) make up the remaining cases.
Twenty-five were in isolation for their entire infectious period and 57 are linked to known exposures or clusters.
HNELHD is urging the region to come forward for testing and vaccination.
“We have been notified of recent detections of COVID-19 virus fragments from the sewage treatment plants in Uralla, Dungog and Denman,” Dr David Durrheim said.
“We urge everyone in these areas, and not only in these specific catchment areas, to come forward for testing even if they have the mildest of symptoms, so we can identify any unknown cases in the community and reduce transmission.
“We remind our communities that infection is still possible even when we are fully vaccinated, and we can still transfer the virus to someone we love, including small children who are ineligible for vaccination, or vulnerable people in our community.”
Sadly, NSW also reported the deaths of three people – one woman and two men.
A woman in her 30s died at Westmead Hospital, she was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.
A man in his 60s died at Wollongong Hospital, he was also not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions.
Another man in his 50s died at Liverpool Hospital, he had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.
There are currently 270 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 55 people in intensive care, 27 of whom require ventilation.
More than 93 per cent of people aged 16 and over in the state have had their first COVID-19 vaccine, as of 11:59pm on Thursday 4 November, and 89.4 per cent 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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