BY JARROD MELMETH
54 new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in the Hunter on Friday.
The local health district has topped the states case numbers again.
Of the 856 active cases in the region, there are 17 being cared for in hospital, including four in intensive care.
36 of Friday's cases were infectious in the community, while 39 are linked to existing cases.
CASE BREAKDOWN
NEWCASTLE - 15
Hamilton South 4, Wallsend 3, Mayfield 2, New Lambton 2, Adamstown 1, Carrington 1, Islington 1, Merewether 1.
MID COAST - 10
Taree 5, Forster 2, Tuncurry 2, Tea Gardens.
LAKE MACQUARIE - 7
Jewells, Morisset 1, Mount Hutton 1, Redhead 1, Swansea 1, West Wallsend 1, Windale 1.
CESSNOCK - 6
Kearsley 2, Cessnock 1, Greta 1, Kurri Kurri 1, Neath 1.
TAMWORTH - 6
Tamworth 5, West Tamworth 1.
PORT STEPHENS - 4
Raymond Terrace 2, Anna Bay 1, Heatherbrae 1.
MAITLAND - 3
Bolwarra Heights 1, Chisholm 1, Rosebrook 1.
SINGLETON 2
Darlington 1, Hunterview 1.
ARMIDALE - 1
Armidale 1.
STATWIDE
NSW recorded 268 new local cases and two deaths statewide.
The states vaccination rates are currently at 93.4 per cent single dose and 86.5 per cent double dose.
Across the state there are 363 people being cared for in hospital, including 80 in intensive care.
EXPOSURE SITES
Two exposure sites have been listed by health authorities overnight at Charlestown and Cessnock.
Anyone who attended the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
- Cessnock Courthouse (public waiting areas) on Wednesday 20 October between 9am - 3:35pm
- Allan's Mens Hairdressing, Charlestown on Saturday 23 October between 9:55am - 10:15am
