A CHILD, 3, has been confirmed as the Hunter New England health district's first case of COVID-19 in a patient under 10 years old.
The girl contracted the illness from her parents, who had already been diagnosed with COVID-19.
She was one of six new cases in the Hunter New England region, taking the total to 254.
Hunter New England Health said the girl had mild symptoms and was already in home isolation with her parents.
"The child's diagnosis is a timely reminder young people are susceptible to the virus. While their symptoms are generally mild, it is still important to ensure children abide by social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to more vulnerable people within their own families, and the wider community," said a Hunter New England Health statement on Wednesday.
There are 12 COVID-19 patients being cared for in Hunter New England hospitals, including five in intensive care.
An additional 12 patients were deemed to have recovered in the past 24 hours, taking the total of cases recovered to 129.
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