SURGING cases in Lake Macquarie have added to Hunter concerns the Hunter outbreak keeps swelling as re-opening approaches.
The health district racked up 65 fresh cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday.
Lake Macquarie's cases show few signs of slowing down, with 27 of the Hunter detections falling within that local government footprint. It is a concerning sign coupled with fresh data that reveals vaccination rates in the region are lagging behind the state.
88.5 per cent of over 16s have had one jab in NSW, with 67.5 per cent receiving two.
Hunter New England Health's Dr David Durrheim said two doses of vaccine for as many people as possible was the only way to keep freedoms when they return.
"October 11 is rapidly approaching and there's a sense of anticipating in the community about how things might change," Dr David Durrheim said. "The only way though that we can really enjoy the next month in the sun is to make sure we're vaccinated.
"It's quite clear that as restrictions are lifted, there'll be more spread of the virus."
Forster and Taree were thrust into lockdown overnight on Monday, with Muswellbrook's stay-at-home orders locked in place until at least October 11.
"Unfortunately, there has been considerable community exposure and NSW Health believe there could be a developing situation that is not showing up in the testing figures. The extended lockdown is being taken as a measure to protect the community," Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said.
Four of Newcastle's cases fell in Merewether. Wallsend, Mayfield, Shortland and Elermore Vale recorded single cases. At Lake Macquarie there were four cases in Charlestown, three in Edgeworth and two in Mount Hutton, Gateshead, Morisset and Belmont. Toronto, Blackalls Park, Warners Bay, Windale, Dora Creek, Woodrising, Cameron Park, Cardiff Heights, Caves Beach, Kahibah, Morisset Park and Wakefield also had cases.
Maitland had five more cases in Woodberry, three in Ashtonfield and two in Rutherford. Maitland and Gillieston Heights all had a case each. Cessnock had one case in Abermain, one in Cliftleigh and three in the city itself, while Singleton and Muswellbrook South both added single cases. Port Stephens' pair of cases were split between Lemon Tree Passage and Nelson Bay.
The health district also added two cases in the Midcoast area, one in Liverpool Plains and six in Gunnedah. NSW recorded 608 cases in the 24-hour period.
Five men and a woman died across the state during the 24-hour period. NSW Health said one was in their 50s, two people were in their 60s, three people were in their 70s, and one person was in their 80s. None had received two jabs.
