Cessnock's Cumberland Street GP Clinic has closed today, awaiting test results from a patient.
The centre was reportedly in "lock down", however it could not confirm nor deny whether it was related to a case of the corona virus.
A spokesperson for the centre said the test results of the patient in question would be available within 48 hours.
A spokes person from Hunter New England Health says there are no confirmed cases in the Hunter New England district.
In a statement Hunter New England Health said;
"Over 3000 people have been tested for possible COVID-19 across NSW, including HNE."
"While we are currently continuing to contain the spread of the virus, increasing international spread means that a pandemic, including local transmission is quite possible and planning has begun."
"All hospitals in the Hunter New England Local Health District are equipped to treat a person with COVID-19. Hunter New England Local Health District is reviewing and revising its pandemic plan in response to COVID-19."
"As part of this, there is enhanced triaging in our Emergency Departments (EDs), with broad screening of all presenting patients. EDs are also undertaking random drills to ensure staff readiness."
HNEH has also commenced recruitment of additional winter nursing casual staff and say the best way to protect the community is to practice good hand hygiene, which includes covering sneezes and coughs and staying home from work or study if a persons feels unwell.
HNEH says the business community also has an important role to play, including getting their business continuity plans on foot and examining things like flexible working practices for staff.
The organisation says everyone should practice good prevention – including staying home and away from other people if you are unwell with respiratory symptoms.
They are also urging everyone to use cough etiquette- including covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or coughing into a tissue and disposing of it, and cleaning your hand regularly throughout the day with soap and running water for 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand rub.
