Covid update - Tuesday
17th August 2021
10 NEW LOCAL CASES in HUNTER REGION 
COVID UPDATE - 11.10am Tuesday August 17 There were 10 new cases recorded in the Hunter-New England health district in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. This brings the total number of cases in our health district to 130. Of those 10 cases, 5 are from the Maitland LGA, 2 from the Newcastle LGA and 3 from the Lake Macquarie LGA. Of those 10 cases, 9 are linked to previously reported cases and one is still under investigation. Six were in the community during all or part of their infectious period and before their positive result. STATEWIDE: The State recorded 451 new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. HOSPITALISATIONS: There are 447 people currently being treated for Covid-19 in NSW hospitals, with 69 in ICU and 24 on ventilators. WORK PERMITS: The Government has formalised the work permit system overnight and I'm pleased to say they've listened to our calls. If you live on the Central Coast and work in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle or the Hunter (or vice-versa), you will NOT need a work permit from this Saturday. More details are on my earlier post, posted at 9am today. NEW EXPOSRUE SITES, UPDATED VENUE OF CONCERNHNE Health has advised of a new venue of concern associated with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Anyone who attended the following venue on the specified dates are considered close contacts and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, and await further advice from NSW Health:
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Newcastle (1/27 Crescent Rd, Waratah NSW 2298) anytime between 31 July and 4 August.Anyone who attended the following venues on the specified dates and times are casual contacts (unless they have been contacted by NSW Health as close contacts) and must get tested and isolate until a negative test result is received:
Nutrition Warehouse, Kotara on Sunday, 8 August, from 11.15am to 11.30am Star Nails, Cameron Park on Wednesday, 4 August, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm AUSGRID OUTAGES: I'm still waiting on a full response from Ausgrid regarding planned power outages in our area over the next fortnight. I've asked them to defer all outages given we have so many people working from home as well as home schooling. They have cancelled a full-day outage planned for Dora Creek but I'm waiting to hear about others, including one for Speers Point this Thursday. VACCINATIONS: Anyone still having problems rebooking vaccination appointments at the Belmont hub is urged contact to Hunter-New England Health by email at: HNELHD-COVIDClinicBookingChange@health.nsw.gov.au and remember to provide your full name, address and contact number. Please stay safe, stay vigilant, and stay home unless you absolutely have to go somewhere.