Hunter makes up 12 of the states 1485 COVID-19 cases

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded another 12 cases of COVID-19 to 8pm on Saturday night.

The new cases have been detected in Abermain (1) Gundy (1), Thornton (1), Metford (1), Salamander Bay (2), Medowie (2), Heatherbrae (1), Nelson Bay (1), Shoal Bay (1) and Armidale (1).

NSW Health says the Armidale case is currently under investigation due to a weak positive and may be removed at a later time.

Half of the new cases were infectious while in the community including in Abermain, Thornton, Metford, Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.

Health authorities have also announced two cases in New Lambton and Armidale announced in Saturdays numbers have been ruled out and removed. With the new and removed cases, the regions total now sits at 228 cases since the local outbreak began on August 5.

Statewide, NSW recorded another 1485 cases. Four more people have died with COVID-19. 

In some positive news, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says 40 per cent of the eligible population is now full vaccinated, while 73 per cent have had their first dose.

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.

• Shoal Bay Pharmacy on Monday 30 August between 4:35pm - 4:40pm and Wednesday 1 September between 10:10am - 10:20am & 4:15pm - 4:25pm
• Shell Coles Express, Nelson Bay on Tuesday 31 August between 9:45am - 9:50am & 7:20pm - 7:25pm
• IGA, Shoal Bay on Wednesday 1 September between 8:50am - 8:55am & Thursday 2 September between 4:55pm - 5:05pm
• Belmont Vaccination Hub on Friday 3 September between 11:45am - 12:45am

Swim Academy at Thornton listed as COVID exposure site

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Jump N Swim Academy at Thornton has received advice from Hunter New England Health that two COVID-19 positive people attended the centre between 5pm and 5:30pm on Wednesday 4 August.

In a post to Facebook, the academy says any children, guardians or staff that were in the pool or on pool deck during those times is considered a close contact and will need to be tested and isolate for 14 days.

Anyone else who was in front reception will be considered as a casual contact and will also need to be tested and isolate until a negative result is given.

Any children, guardians or staff who were at the centre between 4:30-5pm and 5:30-6pm are considered a casual contact and will also need to be tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Its the second venue in Maitland to be added as a COVID-19 exposure site following Maitland Christian School closing on Thursday for deep cleaning and contract tracing.

Image: Jump N Swim Facebook.