An additional three cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the Hunter New England Health District as at 8pm, Sunday, April 5.
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As per the latest data released by NSW Health, this brings the total number of Hunter New England confirmed cases to 248. HNEH explains that case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
Thirty seven cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the Mid Coast local government area.
Currently 11 COVID-19 patients are being cared for in HNEH hospitals, including five in ICU.
HNEH said sadly, NSW Health confirmed the death of a 76 year old man from the Hunter New England District. HNHE has offered its sincere condolences to his family.
Across the district, 88 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.
COVID-19 statistics broken down by Local Government Area is now available on the NSW Health webpage.
Hospital visitor limitations now in place
For the safety of patients, staff and the general community, over the past weeks HNEH has taken steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading by changing its guidelines on visits to hospitals and inpatient facilities.
No visitors or support persons
- Residential Aged Care Facilities
- Maternity outpatient or clinic appointments
- Outpatient appointments and clinics (except in cases where a support person is essential e.g patients with a disability or frail elderly)
One support person or guardian
- Maternity birthing and delivery (one nominated support person for the duration of their admission)
- Maternity postnatal and gynaecology admissions (one nominated support person only for the duration of their admission)
- Paediatric inpatient and outpatient care (one parent or guardian for duration of admission or appointment)
- All other wards
- Intensive and end of life care (one nominated support person only. Exceptions may be made on compassionate grounds)
The full list of changes is available on the district's COVID-19 webpage.
The John Hunter Hospital COVID-19 Clinic is currently operating seven days per week, Monday through Sunday, from 8am-10.30pm.
Hunter New England Health is also operating clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle, Maitland, and Manning hospitals.
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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