Welcome drop in Hunter COVID-19 infections

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded a welcome drop in daily COVID-19 case numbers on Sunday, recording 56 new local infections.

In other positive news 40 of the new infections are linked to existing cases. Of the remaining 16, 11 are unlinked and five are under investigation.

27 of the new cases were infectious in the community, while 25 of the total active cases are being cared for in hospital, including four in intensive care.

Hunter New England Health is reporting the regions total number of cases since August 5 stands at 1686 and there are currently 1077 active cases.

CASE BREAKDOWN

LAKE MACQUARIE - 16

Barnsley 1, Belmont 1, Charlestown 1, Cooranbong 1, Edgeworth 1, Mount Hutton 1, Teralba 1, Toronto 1, Warners Bay 1, Windale 3, Woodrising 2 and Wyee 2.

CESSNOCK - 15

Aberdare 1, Abermain 1, Cliftleigh 1, Ellalong 1, Greta 3, Heddon Greta 1, Kearsley 1, Kurri Kurri 3, Lovedale 1, Paxton 1 and Weston 1.

TAMWORTH - 7

South Tamworth 1, Tamworth 5 and West Tamworth 1.

NEWCASTLE - 6

Bar Beach 1, Birmingham Gardens 1, Fletcher 1, Merewether 1, New Lambton Heights 1 and Wallsend 1.

MAITLAND - 4

East Maitland 1, Maitland 1, Rutherford 1 and Telarah 1.

MID-COAST - 3

Bretti 1 and Taree 2.

SINGLETON - 2

Singleton 1 and Hunterview 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 2

Millers Forrest 1 and North Arm Cove 1.

UPPER HUNTER SHIRE - 1

Scone 1.

STATWIDE

NSW has recorded another drop in daily case numbers with 477 announced on Sunday, and six deaths.

The vaccination rates are currently at 90.1 per cent single dose and 72.8 per cent double dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

A number of COVID exposure sites have been listed overnight including at Mount Hutton and Flight VA1593.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of result.

• Flight VA1593 (Virgin) on Wednesday 6 October Melbourne (depart 12:56pm) to Newcastle (arrived at 2:19pm)

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.

• Mount Hutton Medical Practice on Friday 1 October between 2:35pm - 3:05pm