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Health

Hunter Valley 7-Eleven service station named as 'low risk' COVID-19 exposure site

This Thornton service station is considered a low-risk COVID-19 exposure site. (ABC Newcastle: Liz Farquhar)

A service station in the NSW Hunter Valley has been listed by NSW Health as a venue of concern after it was visited by a person with COVID-19 this week.

The 7-Eleven service station on Weakleys Drive, Thornton, near Maitland was visited by the positive case on Tuesday July 13, from 12.05pm to 12.11pm.

Anyone who was at the site at that time is considered a casual contact and must immediately get tested and isolate until they receive a negative COVID-19 test.

'It's not surprising' 

Local MP Jenny Aitchison said it was only a matter of time before a positive case passed through the region.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is hopeful there will be very low risk from a positive COVID-19 case visiting a local service station.   (ABC: Rob Virtue)

"It's not surprising," she said.

"There was always going to be a case outside of Sydney at some point.

"From the CCTV that's been seen there was probably no-one in the building other than the one staff member and they have obviously gone for testing."

Masks worn, 'risk low'

Hunter New England Public Health Controller Dr David Durrheim said the service station was considered a "low risk' exposure site.

"It is important that we all remain vigilant and comply with current restrictions.

"Anyone who has experienced fever or the recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste and smell, should seek testing immediately and isolate until a negative result is returned."

Ms Aitchison is urging anyone with symptoms or concerns to get tested.

"Testing is available for people at the Maitland Hospital and then also at the South Maitland Laverty site at Maitland Showground," she  said. 

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