Covid update - Wednesday


25th August 2021
There were 4 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
¿ 4 NEW LOCAL CASES ¿
¿ COVID UPDATE - 11.10am WEDNESDAY August 25 ¿
¿ There were 4 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 168, with 114 still active but in isolation.
¿ Of those new cases:
- 1 is from Newcastle LGA (Wallsend, not infectious in community)
- 1 is from Lake Macquarie LGA (Windale, was infectious in community)
- 1 is from Cessnock LGA (North Rothbury, not infectious in the community)
- 1 is from Port Stephens LGA (Raymond Terrace, not infectious in community)
¿ 31 local people are currently being cared for in hospital with none in ICU. All of the new cases are linked, and the region now has 714 close contacts of known cases in isolation.
¿ STATEWIDE: There was a record 919 new cases recorded throughout NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Sadly, two more deaths were recorded in Sydney overnight, including a woman in her 30s which was reported in news bulletins yesterday.
¿ HOSPITALISATIONS: There are 645 people currently being treated for Covid-19 in NSW hospitals, with 113 in ICU and 40 on ventilators.
¿ END OF LOCKDOWN: As I mentioned yesterday, we won't have a definite answer on when restrictions in the local area might be eased until tomorrow, but it's highly unlikely anything will be lifted by August 28. Given the number of recent cases, I would personally think we're at least another week away from any easing, probably two weeks.
¿ NEW EXPOSURE SITES: Despite several recent cases in the region, the number of exposure sites in which tracers haven't been able to track down all people exposed is very low, which is good news. You can see yesterday's new exposure sites here, and that includes the apartment complex at Windale.
¿ VACCINATIONS: I wish I had a Pfizer vaccine for the thousands of people who have asked me about Pfizer vaccines. The vaccination rollout, as you know, is being handled by the Federal Govt. The State Govt can't deliver vaccines it simply doesn't have. I know some eligible people can't get a Pfizer vaccine appointment for another month or two, but we have to remember that vaccinating the entire nation in a very short period of time is the biggest health initiative ever undertaken in Australian history. There will be problems, and I know there's been more problems than we should have had, but we just have to be a little patient. Both State and Federal governments remain confident that all people wanting a vaccine will get a vaccine by November and the data shows they're on track to deliver that. If you're looking for a vaccine, don't restrict your search to the government's online booking tools because about two-thirds of all vaccines are actually being delivered by GPs, small medical centres and pharmacies. Try other booking engines online such as HotDoc, HealthEngine and Covid Queue, or phone your local surgeries - you may just get lucky. I absolutely understand the frustration with what has been a messy rollout by the Federal Government, but keep trying and know that more Pfizer vaccines will soon be available. Make a booking now wherever you can, would be my advice.
¿ QUESTIONS: My small team and I are still working through thousands of emails, phone and Facebook messages so I apologise if you haven't received a response yet. We're still hopeful of responding to everyone, but 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.
¿ Please stay safe, stay vigilant, and stay home unless you absolutely have to go somewhere.

<< Previous | Next >>