Sadly, five people have passed away with COVID-19 in the Hunter over the weekend.
A man in his 70s from Port Stephens died in Saturday's reporting period.
Three men and one woman also lost their lives on Sunday.
Three were in their 80s and one was in their 60s.
Three of the people were from Newcastle and one was from Singleton.
The Hunter New England Health District is now caring for 53 cases in hospital, with five in intensive care.
