Covid update: Monday
4th October 2021
59 NEW LOCAL CASES COVID UPDATE - 11.10am Monday October 4 Numbers are a bit better today, with 59 new cases reported in the region in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, including 19 in Lake Macquarie. These new cases take the total number in the latest local outbreak to 1194. Of those new cases:
21 are from Cessnock LGA- 6 in Paxton
- 5 in Cessnock
- 4 in Kurri Kurri
- 1 in Aberdare
- 1 in Cliftleigh
- 1 in East Branxton
- 1 in Elrington
- 1 in Heddon Greta
- 1 in Weston
19 are from Lake Macquarie LGA- 4 in Morisset
- 3 in Gateshead
- 2 in Blacksmiths
- 2 in Valentine
- 1 in Balcolyn
- 1 in Belmont
- 1 in Cardiff
- 1 in Charlestown
- 1 in Dora Creek
- 1 in Marks Point
- 1 in Seahampton
- 1 in Warners Bay
8 are from Maitland LGA- 2 in Maitland
- 2 in Thornton
- 1 in Aberglasslyn
- 1 in Telarah
- 1 in Tenambit
- 1 in Rutherford
7 are from Newcastle LGA- 1 in Adamstown
- 1 in Hamilton South
- 1 in Mayfield
- 1 in Merewether
- 1 in Shortland
- 1 in Wallsend
- 1 in Waratah
3 are from Port Stephens LGA- 2 in Raymond Terrace
- 1 in Anna Bay
1 is from Muswellbrook LGA- 1 in Muswellbrook
STATUS AND CLOSE CONTACTS: Of those new cases, 40 are linked, 11 are unlinked and 8 are still under investigation. Further, 26 were infectious in the community, while 25 were isolating while infectious and the remaining 8 are still under investigation. 22 local people are being cared for in hospital. One is in ICU. EXPOSURE SITES: The Belmont vaccination hub, Coles at Bonnells Bay and a number of sites at Muswellbrook, East Maitland, Tamworth and Gunnedah are among the new exposure sites named by Hunter-New England Health overnight. More details on the new sites (including a link to the full list at NSW Health) are on my website HERE.
BONNELLS BAY: Have had a lot of questions about the 7 cases in Bonnells Bay yesterday but unfortunately I don't have any further information. Neither NSW Health or HNE Health has released any further details. The only exposure site in the area is Coles on Saturday, September 25 (details on link above). I have sought further information to ease concern in the community, but in the meantime we can only assume that they are members of the same household(s), but we should stay vigilant and safe when out in the community. LOCKDOWN UPDATE: Lake Macquarie will definitely leave the current lockdown restrictions in line with the rest of NSW next Monday. If, however, our numbers increase significantly between now and then, that could be reviewed. For now, though, there is no plan to keep the Hunter Region in lockdown. Given our local numbers, however, I've asked the Health Minister for information on what the tipping point may be in regards to putting or keeping restrictions in place down the track. Will post any new info I receive. STATEWIDE: There were 623 new cases reported throughout NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Sadly, another six deaths were recorded over the past 24 hours. HOSPITALISATIONS: There are now 959 people currently being treated for Covid-19 in NSW hospitals, with 193 in ICU and 97 requiring ventilators. STATEWIDE VACCINATION RATES: Across NSW, 88.4 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 67.1 per cent are fully vaccinated to 11.59pm on Saturday 2 October 2021. TESTING: The importance of getting tested has never been more important in the local area. Please don't be complacent. If you experience any symptoms, please get tested as soon as possible. QUESTIONS: Please see my Facebook or Website pages for answers to frequently asked questions. Service NSW also has a 24/7 hotline where people are available to answer questions. You can reach them on 13 77 88. STAY SAFE, stay vigilant, and stay home unless you absolutely have to go somewhere.