Coronavirus NSW: New cluster in Port Stephens forces school and childcare closures

Two schools and a childcare centre have closed after three new cases of COVID-19 were identified in the NSW Hunter Region.

Residents in Port Stephens, located two hours north of Sydney, have been urged to monitor their symptoms after three new cases of COVID-19 were identified in the coastal area.

In particular, those who visited Salamander Bay Shopping Centre on Wednesday, July 15, have been urged to keep an eye on their symptoms.

Hunter New England Health revealed on Tuesday a man in his 60s, who is now in isolation, had tested positive after contracting the virus off a visitor from Sydney.

It is understood he visited the shopping centre.

Port Stephens residents have been urged to monitor their symptoms after three new cases of COVID-19 were identified in the coastal town. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone/NCA NewsWire

The Sydney visitor also attended the Windsor Castle Hotel in East Maitland between 6pm and 8pm on Monday, July 13.

Patrons who were at the hotel have been told to get tested immediately if they develop symptoms.

Of the new cases of COVID-19 in Port Stephens, one is believed to be a young child.

The news has prompted the closure of Goodstart Anna Bay Childcare Centre, Tomaree Public School and Tomaree High School for contact tracing and deep cleaning.

Local MP Kate Washington said all three cases were linked to the 60-year-old man.

“All families at the schools and childcare service should have received email notification of the closures with more information,” Ms Washington said in a Facebook post.

“In the meantime, health advice remains the same – if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. I understand that everyone will want more details, but this is a rapidly moving situation.”

🚨 COVID-19 UPDATE - PORT STEPHENS 🚨 We have 3 new cases of COVID-19 in Port Stephens. As a result, Tomaree Public...

Posted by Kate Washington MP on Wednesday, 22 July 2020

Speaking to 2GB on Thursday morning, Ms Washington said she was concerned about older residents within the community.

She also expressed worry about the impacts the cluster would have on travel, given Port Stephens is popular tourist destination. She said she didn’t want to “deny it to the rest of the state”.

“This news has been met with much difficulty for people within the community,” she said.

“It’s more than a fear, it’s been realised. We are one of the oldest communities in NSW and have been on high alert.”

Sixteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed across NSW on Wednesday.