Hunter New England records 54 new Covid cases, more than any other NSW Health district

Hunter New England recorded 20 per cent of NSW Covid cases and more infections than any other health district on Friday, cementing itself as the state’s new virus epicentre.

NSW schools were supposed to re-open October 25 but some Hunter schools were delayed with positive Covid cases. Istock.

Hunter New England has recorded more Covid cases than any other health district in the state for a fifth consecutive day, with 54 new infections on Friday.

The cases account for 20 per cent of the NSW daily total of 268.

The health district has recorded 421 infections in the past seven days, with the figures cementing the region as the state’s Covid epicentre — an unwanted title previously held by south western Sydney.

Hunter New England has recorded 54 new Covid cases. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Peter Lorimer.

Despite the pattern, Hunter New England did not rate a mention in the NSW Health video update on Friday.

Of the 54 new cases, 15 were from Newcastle, 10 from Mid Coast, seven from Lake Macquarie, six from Cessnock, six from Tamworth, four from Port Stephens, three from Maitland, two from Singleton and one from Armidale.

Thirty-nine of the cases were linked to known infections, while 36 were infectious in the community.

Seventeen Hunter New England people are in hospital with Covid, including four in intensive care.

The cases take the health district’s total to 2944 since the Delta outbreak began on August 5, with 856 cases active.

Public health physician Dr David Durrheim said case numbers had spiked since students returned to school two weeks ago.

“Twenty early learning centres, 20 primary schools and five high schools impacted with Covid confirmed cases,” Dr Durrheim said.

“We’ve also seen transmission in seven of these settings.

“This is a really important reminder to all parents. Make sure even if you child has the mildest of symptoms, don’t take them to school, rather go and get them tested.”

Supplied Editorial Hunter New England Health public health physician Dr David Durrheim in a Covid-19 update. Picture: Supplied.

ON MONDAY

Back to school disappointment: Covid cases delay re-openings

By Amy Ziniak

It was disappointment all around for parents, students and teachers after a return to the classroom didn’t go quite to plan for four Hunter schools.

Schools across NSW were scheduled to head back on Monday morning, after months of at-home learning, but a number were hit with the bad news that prompted a delay due to Covid cases.

Thornton Public School, Mayfield West Demonstration School and and Irrawang Public School at Raymond Terrace were all forced to shut for re-opening day, confirming a member of their community had tested positive for Covid.

Thornton Public School was shut on re-opening day due to a positive Covid case. Picture: Google Maps.

Mayfield East Public School also notified parents and students of a positive Covid case on Monday afternoon via their Facebook page, asking parents and carers to collect their children immediately.

All schools have been closed for deep cleaning and contact tracing, and staff and students have been asked to self-isolate until they receive further notice.

Responding to the news one Hunter parents said her kids were heartbroken.

“First day back at school, new masks, new lunch time treat, big smiles turned upside down as we’re turned around at the school gate because of one Covid case. Here comes the next stage of covid-coaster,” she said.

The unfortunate news triggered a flurry of questions from parents, but also concern for those affected.

“I know this is the last thing the school community wanted. Thank you so much for keeping us informed as soon as you were able. Thoughts are with the families affected,” a Irrawang Public School parent commented on the school’s Facebook page.

“Hope person concerned is alright and stays that way. Awful news,” another said.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, to be tested at one of the Hunter’s many Covid clinics.

Mayfield East Public School was a Hunter school which was forced to close on day one of NSW schools reopening on October 25 due to a positive Covid case. Picture: Google Maps.

The NSW Department of Education confirmed it would continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff is maintained.

“While we recognise this will be disruptive and inconvenient for families, it is important that we follow NSW Health advice and take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of further transmission to support our community,” a spokesperson said via a statement.

It comes as 59 new cases were recorded in the Hunter New England Health region on Monday, bringing the total number in the district to 2,680 since the start of the outbreak on August 5.

The highest numbers were recorded in Newcastle, with 19 fresh cases, and 16 recorded in the Lake Macquarie area.