Hunter New England Health has recorded its first COVID-19 death.
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The 76-year-old man from the HNEH district died of complications related to the coronavirus on Saturday, April 4 in Westmead Hospital. He was a passenger on the Ruby Princess cruise ship.
An additional four cased of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the Hunter New England Health District as at 8pm, Saturday, April 4.
There was no increase to the total number of cases in Hunter New England Health in the 24 hour period prior.
As per the latest data released by NSW Health, this brings the total number of Hunter New England confirmed cases to 245. However HNEH says case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
Currently 10 COVID-19 patients are being cared for in HNEH hospitals, five in ICU, and 76 people have recovered so far.
Hunter New England Health is contacting close contacts of the new cases, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact.
Thirty seven cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the Mid Coast local government area.
NSW Health now has information on its website showing COVID-19 statistics broken down by Local Government Area. This information can be found at this link: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-lga.aspx
Testing blitz in Manning and Taree
Following the identification of three cases in the Manning region with an unknown source of infection, the district is calling on all Manning locals with fever or recent onset respiratory symptoms to contact the Manning Hospital COVID-19 clinic for screening.
Identifying any additional local cases early and implementing appropriate isolation and quarantining is crucial in preventing onward transmission in the community.
Public health physician, Dr David Durrheim said a screening blitz in the Manning region will give the district the best chance of identifying any clusters early.
"Now is the time for us to test, and test broadly, in Manning to see if there is genuine community transmission.
"Identifying transmission early, coupled with extensive contact tracing and quarantining, is our best chance at slowing the spread of COVID-19 on the Lower Mid North Coast.
"If you have experienced fever or the recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat, we want to hear from you. Likewise if you've recently travelled internationally, or on a cruise ship, or been in touch with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, please call the Clinic," he said.
The Manning Hospital Clinic is a drive-through service where people are screened via phone before presenting. For screening, call 6592 9850 between 8am-4.30pm, seven days a week.
Hunter New England Health is also operating clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle, John Hunter, Maitland, and Belmont hospitals.
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