Covid update - Friday

Hunter Region: 1772 new cases.

We now have 18,821 active cases in the health district.

Unfortunately our hospitalisation numbers are still rising - we now have 99 local people being cared for in our hospitals, and 11 are in ICU.

Statewide: 38,625 new cases, and 11 deaths.

I just wanted to address a couple of things before I detail today’s figures.

The Government is likely to announce the reintroduction of restrictions on some hospitality venues today. These are expected to impact nightclubs and other places where dancing and singing occurs, as well as density limits on places such as pubs and clubs. I understand that a suspension on elective surgery is also in the mix. I’ll post details when they’re known.

I’ve also fielded a lot of questions about the current numbers being reported by NSW Health. I agree that these numbers are likely underestimated at the moment because many people are simply relying on a positive Rapid antigen test and are isolating at home. I’d agree that waiting in line for hours for a PCR test and waiting another week for a formal result is somewhat of a pointless exercise when symptoms are obvious and an antigen test has already confirmed a positive result. In Victoria, those cases need to self-report their positive status to Vic Health, but the same rule doesn’t exist in NSW, although I believe it should. The bigger concern of course are our hospitalisation numbers, and sadly they’re continuing to rise and are putting extreme stress on our health system and our exhausted frontline workers. That remains my priority and is something the Government needs to focus on.

Can I please ask again for your understanding on Facebook questions and comments. Like most places, I have staff on leave and staff with Covid and I simply can’t respond to all questions. Please use the links I provide in the daily updates for more information.

As I mentioned earlier, two more deaths have been reported in the region. A man in his 80s from the Lake Macquarie area died at Wyong Hospital. He had not received any COVID-19 vaccinations and had underlying health conditions. A man in his 70s from the Port Stephens area died at John Hunter Hospital. He had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions. My sincere condolences go out to their families and friends.

Of the new cases in the health district:

- 287 are from Newcastle LGA

- 563 are from Lake Macquarie LGA

- 364 are from Maitland LGA

- 254 are from Tamworth Regional LGA

- 248 are from Cessnock LGA

- 180 are from Mid Coast LGA

- 170 are from Port Stephens LGA

- 60 are from Gunnedah LGA

- 59 are from Singleton LGA

- 49 are from Moree Plains LGA

- 46 are from Armidale Regional LGA

- 34 are from Upper Hunter LGA

- 32 are from Muswellbrook LGA

- 25 are from Liverpool Plains LGA

- 16 are from Inverell LGA

- 15 are from Narrabri LGA

- 15 are from Dungog LGA

- 7 are from Walcha LGA

- 4 are from Tenterfield LGA

- 2 are from Glen Innes LGA

STATEWIDE

- 95.1% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

- 93.6% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine

- 81.4% of people aged 12-15 have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

- 78.1% of people aged 12-15 have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine

- 112,725 tests

- 38,625 total new cases

- 1738 people in hospital

- 134 people in ICU

- 11 deaths

NEW CASE LOCATIONS: You can keep up to date with case numbers and vaccination rates in your suburb HERE.

ISOLATION UPDATE: NSW Health has updated the rules around self isolation. Fact sheet HERE.

TESTING: If you experience any symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. Testing clinic opening hours HERE.

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. All further info at NSW Health.