Newcastle Airport is not expecting airlines to pull flights from Williamtown due to the impact of coronavirus but expects to see a dip in passenger numbers.
In a promising sign, the airport's February passenger numbers were slightly up compared to a year earlier but management are preparing for a number of scenarios on how COVID-19 could impact travel in and out of the region.
With Qantas having slashed a quarter of its international capacity, there is hope the region could receive a boost if those who have had to abandon overseas travel plans opt for a domestic holiday instead.
"We have made a decision to invest in interstate destination marketing campaigns," Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said. "We expect these campaigns to be in market by the end of March. Our intent is to drive increased visitation whilst domestic travel is being preferred over international."
The airport's campaign comes after Port Stephens Council pledged $500,000 for initiatives to support its tourism and business sectors.
Funds for regional marketing and business-generating activities will be allocated from the council's holiday parks and property reserves.
"The tourism industry is worth $621 million to Port Stephens every year and it is estimated that up to 20 per cent of the workforce could be lost over the next 12 months," Cr Ryan Palmer said. "The impact the coronavirus will have on the Port Stephens economy and our community is significant."
Destination Port Stephens chair Andrew Macdonald said marketing material was "ready to launch" and having access to the funds "would dramatically enhance our ability to maintain visitation to the region, with the aim to protect businesses, jobs and our local economy".
A dedicated clinic screening people with risk factors for COVID-19 has been set up at John Hunter Hospital.
The clinic was established before the federal government announced up to 100 "pop-up clinics" would be set up around Australia as part of a $2.4 billion response package.
More clinics are expected to be established in the Hunter New England Health District, which spans from Swansea to Tenterfield, as part of those pledged.
Hunter New England Health is advising anyone with symptoms, like a fever, cough or shortness of breath, that has travelled overseas or had contact with a known case of COVID-19 to visit their GP or call Healthdirect.
Anyone who has returned from China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, or had contact with a known case of COVID-19 but are well, should self-isolate at home for 14 days and seek treatment if they develop symptoms.
For those who attend the hospital's emergency department for assistance, a screening desk is set up at the main entry where nursing staff will identify patients' risk of having COVID-19.
Those who have risk factors and symptoms will be directed to the clinic. Those without symptoms may be reassured testing is not required and sent away.
People acutely unwell suspected of COVID-19 will be assessed in a private room.
There has been 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia as of late on Wednesday, including 55 in NSW.
Four of those in NSW have recovered, while two people have died.
