BY JARROD MELMETH
The Hunter has recorded 16 cases of COVID-19, bringing the region's total to 120
Statewide, NSW recorded 478 cases were recorded with at least 91 infectious while in the community. Seven people have sadly lost their lives in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Of the new cases six were infectious within the community. 13 are linked to previous cases while three are under investigation.
Eight cases were recorded in Maitland, five in Newcastle, two in Lake Macquarie and one in Port Stephens.
The numbers show a jump in the Maitland local government area which was expected.
On Sunday, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said she was happy to see the Hunters cases stabalising but said she still had concerns about the Maitland local government area due to a number of new cases not included in Sundays numbers.
Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim revealed overnight, Greater Maitland, Williamtown, Raymond Terrace and Medowie are areas of major concern following sewerage surveillance in the area.
Dr Durrheim says the viral loads found in these areas was higher than anywhere else in the state and is also concerned about mystery cases in Maitland.
"Of five unlinked cases, to date in Hunter New England, three of them are in the Greater Maitland area and we know that there have been at least three important venues where there has been transmission of the virus, including the Christian School, the Sudania restaurant and Green Hills shopping centre, particularly the Guzman Y Gomez," Dr Durrheim said.
A number of new exposure sites have been added overnight including at Cooks Hill, Maitland, Waratah, Bennetts Green, Branxton, Broadmeadow, Great, Maitland, Charlestown, Cameron Park, Hamilton, Jesmond and Mayfield.
Anyone who visited the following venues on the specified dates and times are considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days.
- Darby Raj, Cooks Hill on Wednesday 4 August between 7:13pm - 7:15pm
- Sudania Café and Restaurant on Saturday 31 July and Monday 2 August both between 8am - 2pm
- Bunnings Warehouse, Bennetts Green on Saturday 7 August between 12:41pm - 1:10pm & Sunday 8 August between 10:58am - 11:30am
- Coles, Branxton on Friday 6 August between 6:25pm - 6:35pm
- PETQuarters, Broadmeadow on Wednesday 4 August between 11:08am - 11:25am
- Gadget Mall, Charlestown Square on Wednesday 4 August between 1:04pm - 3:45pm
- Caltex Service Station, Greta on Saturday 7 August between 10:45am - 10:55am
- The Reject Shop, Maitland on Monday 2 August between 0:03am - 9:06am
- Star Nails, Cameron Park on Wednesday 4 August between 4:30pm - 5:30pm
- Guzman Y Gomez, Hamilton on Monday 2 August between 3:10pm - 3:30pm
- BWS, Jesmond on Tuesday 3 August between 5:48pm - 5:58pm & Saturday 7 August between 12:45pm - 12:55pm
- Jesmond Fruit Barn on Saturday 7 August between 12:10pm - 12:20pm
- Chemist Warehouse, Mayfield on Saturday 7 August between 2:36pm - 2:40pm
