Thirteen are from the Kempsey local government area (LGA), three are from Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA and two are from the Coffs Harbour LGA.

Twelve of the cases are linked to a known case or cluster and the source of the infection of six cases is under investigation.

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In just over a week, the MNCLHD has recorded 176 new COVID cases, the bulk of those being in Kempsey.

There have been 233 cases reported in the MNCLHD since the beginning of the current NSW outbreak.

MNCLHD chief executive Stewart Dowrick said the numbers of cases is concerning and the health district is expecting them to continue to rise.

He added that most of the cases are in care at home with the support of NSW Health staff.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is currently investigating the latest cases and contact tracing is underway, including any potential exposure venues of public concern.

Health Infrastructure has developed a plan for community support accommodation in Kempsey in consultation with Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD), Kempsey Shire Council, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, the Local Emergency Management Committee, and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

A convoy of 10 motorhomes became operational this week at the Kempsey Showground to further assist the close contacts of people with COVID-19 to isolate safely and effectively, if they cannot do so at home.

A COVID Community Response Team has been established to ensure the continual monitoring and evaluation of isolated patients to provide a safe and timely coordinated health and welfare response.

The Kempsey CSA takes learnings from the COVID-19 response provided by other CSA sites established across NSW in the last two months, and the community consultation undertaken. In response to the community's wishes to remain on country, the dedicated Kempsey CSA was developed in partnership with government and non-government agencies.

Throughout the pandemic the NSW government has provided temporary accommodation options for people, including staff and community members, that need to self-isolate out-of-home to help protect their loved ones and reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.

For COVID-19 updates, including case locations and information about self-isolation click here.

COVID-19 testing rates remain high across the Mid North Coast with 1,546 tests conducted yesterday - 611 at Kempsey, 327 at Port Macquarie and 309 at Coffs Harbour.

If you have even the mildest of cold-like symptoms, please visit one of our COVID-19 testing clinics at Kempsey, Macksville, South West Rocks, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, and Port Macquarie.

By getting tested and self-isolating until you receive a negative result, you will help to protect your loved ones and the community.

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.

For Kempsey residents, Kempsey District Hospital - River St entrance - 9am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday (Pfizer)

No appointment is necessary, just bring your Medicare card and photo ID. Please remember to wear your mask and observe physical distancing at all times.

Find available 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.