There have been long queues at testing and vaccination pop-ups in Newcastle as the Hunter New England region recorded 16 cases of coronavirus.
The Deputy Premier John Barilaro has also announced local government areas in the Upper Hunter will be released from lockdown today.
At least 10 of the 16 cases were infectious in the community, and nine have been linked to known sources.
Residents in Hamilton South and surrounding areas lined up for blocks at the Fowler street community hall, where testing and Pfizer vaccination is being offered.
There have now been four cases in the suburb, after another person tested positive to the virus.
There were two more cases in Mayfield, and one case each in New Lambton and Elermore Vale.
Six cases have been detected across Lake Macquarie, in Charlestown, Wangi Wangi, Arcadia Vale, Charlestown, Glendale and West Wallsend.
There were three cases in Cessnock — at Cliftleigh and Greta — and one at Boat Harbour in Port Stephens.
It comes after the Hunter New England area recorded it's highest number of daily cases yesterday, with 27 on Wednesday.
Two people have also been admitted into intensive care.
Upper Hunter stay at home orders lifted
After weeks of lobbying, the state government responded to calls to ease COVID restrictions in the Upper Hunter.
The matter was raised at this week's crisis cabinet meeting.
As a result the local government areas of Muswellbrook, Singleton, Dungog and Upper Hunter will have stay at home orders lifted at 1:00pm today.
The state member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell applauded the move, but cautioned that complacency could spell the end of his constituents new found freedoms.
"Sanitise your hands, social distance and continue to wear a mask," he said.
"We will have to work hard to achieve this until the vaccination rates get to a point where we are all protected."
