There were a total of seven cases in the Hunter New England Health District (HNELHD). The other cases in HNELHD are two from Newcastle, one from Lake Macquarie and one from Singleton LGAs.

Of the seven cases, one was in isolation for their entire infectious period, six were infectious in the community. Two cases are linked to known exposures or clusters, five are unlinked.

The new cases bring the total number of cases in the District to 4347 since August 5, 2021.

HNE Health is urging the community to get vaccinated and to seek testing if experiencing any symptoms.

"We urge anyone who is currently isolating in the community with COVID-19 to call for an ambulance should they experience a deterioration in their condition, including breathlessness and dizziness," Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Physician, HNE Health said.

Omricon variant

New rules for returning travellers regarding the Omicron B.1.1.529 variant of concern are now in place. In line with Commonwealth measures, all travellers arriving in NSW who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi during the 14-day period before their arrival in NSW must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, irrespective of their vaccination status.

All fully vaccinated travellers who have been in any other overseas country during the 14-day period before their arrival in NSW must travel directly to their place of residence or accommodation and isolate for 72 hours. They will only be able to exit isolation at the end of the 72 hour period if they have received a negative result. These people must also complete a PCR test on day six after arrival.

Anyone who has already arrived in NSW who has been in any of the eight African countries within the previous 14 days must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.

Continued testing encouraged in Mid Coast

"We continue to advise those with symptoms in the Lower Mid North Coast region to come forward for testing, given the COVID-19 cases in the area," Dr Durrheim said.

In Taree, testing is available at:

For full details of all testing clinics, including locations and opening hours, visit the NSW Health website.

Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath, is urged to immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. Even people with mild symptoms, such as fatigue, new muscle aches or pains, headache, a change in taste or smell or a new runny nose, should arrange testing as quickly as possible.

Walk-in clinics for first, second and third/booster vaccinations are available across the HNELHD.

Community members can now walk in to hubs across the District to receive their vaccinations, however, to ensure the fastest possible experience, bookings are encouraged and can be made via the Commonwealth Government's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

First and second doses are available for people aged 12 years and older. People aged 18 years and older who received their second vaccination more than six months ago may receive their booster dose.

Children aged 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian aged 18 years and older.

A pop-up walk in clinics will be available in Taree at Shop 1/91 Manning Street, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 December from 9.30am to 4pm.