Fifteen of the cases were in the Kempsey region and one case was diagnosed in Port Macquarie.

There have now been 73 cases reported in the MNCLHD since the beginning of the current NSW outbreak.

"The number of cases is concerning, but our region is highly vaccinated," MNCLHD chief executive Stewart Dowrick said.

The Kempsey region is now 92.8 per cent first dose vaccinated and just under 70 per cent double dose vaccinated while the Port Macquarie-Hastings region is over 95 per cent first dose vaccinated and just under 80 per cent of residents have had their second dose.

Mr Dowrick said the Mid North Coast's rate of vaccination has helped prevent high numbers of hospitalisation in positive COVID cases.

"This time our response has been different to last year because of our preparation and because our region is so highly vaccinated," he said.

"We know that with this group of cases there are a number of schools involved. The people who have tested positive commute to school and travel on buses. This is a different situation and is related to the schools.

"The school communities have been terrific in working with us to respond."

North Coast Public Health Unit director Dr Paul Douglas said the cases in the Kempsey region are widespread.

"It's across the whole community. We've seen cases in Crescent Head, South West Rocks and Kempsey," he said.

"The majority are not fully vaccinated, some have just had their second dose and some have only had their first."

Most of the positive cases are self-isolating at home.

"We've got arrangements of what we need to do if we are finding that people need hospitalisation, but we're finding people don't need to be hospitalised," Dr Douglas said.

"We're doing the majority of our care virtually."

The MNCLHD is encouraging people to remain vigilant and follow the directions of health staff if they are directed to do so.

"Please wash your hands, wear masks when you should, isolate if you need to and please listen to public health orders if you are asked to," Mr Dowrick said.

To stay up to date on venues of concern, you can CLICK HERE and do a postcode search.

A full list of clinic locations and opening hours are listed on the NSW government website at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics.

Find available vaccination bookings at 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.

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