COVID-19 UPDATE 20 SEPTEMBER 2021

There were 935 new local cases in NSW.

1,207 in hospital.

236 in intensive care.

The Statewide vaccination rates confirmed by NSW Health are: - 82.2% first dose - 52.7% second dose (fully vaccinated)

HNE Health have confirmed 24 new cases COVID-19 for the New England Health Area.

The 24 new cases take the total number in the current outbreak to 458. There are currently 291 active cases.

• 3 are from Maitland LGA - 1 in Rutherford - 1 in East Maitland - 1 in Thornton

• 11 are from Newcastle LGA - 3 in Shortland - 2 in Newcastle East - 1 in Elermore Vale - 1 in Wallsend - 1 in Bar Beach - 1 in Waratah - 1 in Birmingham Gardens - 1 in Carrington

• 7 are from Lake Macquarie LGA - 2 in Morisset - 2 in Edgeworth - 1 in Arcadia Vale - 1 in Toronto - 1 in Dora Creek

• 2 is from Port Stephens LGA - 2 in Tanilba Bay

• 1 is from Tamworth LGA - 1 in Tamworth

• 13 of the total active cases are currently being cared for in hospital. 2 are in ICU.

• 17 are linked. 1 is unlinked, and 6 are still under investigation.

• 15 were infectious in the community - 8 were isolating while infectious. - 1 is still under investigation.

• 742 close contacts are in isolation.

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit https://bit.ly/Vaccination_by_postcode. To view the case location map for NSW visit https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations.

NSW Health sends a text message to people who have checked in at close contact venues with further information.

HNE Health also make a follow-up call to close contacts to discuss the isolation and testing requirements. If you have not received a text message, please call 1800 943 553.