There were three cases of COVID-19 reported in the Mid North Coast Local Health District to 8pm yesterday (October 13).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Two are from the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA and one is from the Kempsey LGA. All of the cases are linked to a known case in the Kempsey LGA announced this week.
There have been 47 cases reported in the MNCLHD since the beginning of the current NSW outbreak.
The North Coast Public Health Unit is currently investigating these cases and contact tracing is underway, including any potential exposure venues of public concern.
To the south in the Manning-Great Lakes region, the Mid Coast local government area recorded 32 positive cases this week alone.
The Mid Coast LGA recorded the biggest day of COVID numbers yet, with 13 new cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Of the 13 new cases, nine are in Taree; three in Forster and one in Glenthorne.
Hunter New England Population Health public health physician, Dr David Durrheim said two of the cases in the Mid Coast are "mystery cases" and are unlinked.
The Mid Coast LGA has now recorded 61 COVID cases since the Hunter-New England outbreak on August 5.
COVID-19 exposure sites are listed on the NSW government website at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/case-locations/exposure-sites.
Changes to isolation periods
NSW Health has revised the isolation period for close contacts of a COVID-19 case from 14 days to seven days for people who have been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to their exposure to the virus.
Vaccinated close contacts are now required to isolate for seven days, if a test on the sixth day after exposure is negative. For the next seven days, vaccinated close contacts must still work from home where practicable, not attend hospitality settings such as pubs, cafes and restaurants, or not attend high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, childcare centres and schools.
Fully vaccinated close contacts who were identified as a close contact before Monday 11 October may end their isolation either at the end of the previously advised period or at 11.59pm on Monday 18 October, whichever comes first. This is provided that they have had a negative result from a test on day six or later and have no COVID-19 symptoms.
Close contacts who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or received their second vaccination within 14 days of their exposure must continue to isolate for the full 14-day period, regardless of their test result. All close contacts must get tested again on day 12.
Casual contacts must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. If you receive a text from NSW Health, it is essential that you follow the health advice provided.
Anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms is urged to immediately come forward for testing and isolate until a negative result is received.
There are 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/clinics or contact your GP.
To find available vaccination bookings go to the Australian Government's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder (previously Eligibility Checker), or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 571 155 for assistance to book.