TEN fresh COVID-19 cases have emerged in Hunter New England as NSW's number of Omicron patients doubled.
Upper Hunter had the only case in the region itself, with four in Midcoast local government area and a further five at Moree Plains.
The case was in Scone, with two of Midcoast's infections at Harrington and the others in Taree and Purfleet.
A man in his 50s died at Tamworth hospital. Hunter New England Health said he had received one dose of vaccine and had "significant underlying health conditions."
Dr David Durrheim described the recent trend of lower numbers as an "encouraging stabilisation".
"Two recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in clubs in the Hunter New England region show just how adroit the virus is at finding these high-risk settings for transmission," he said.
He urged people to check they were frequenting only venues that checked vaccination status, and to avoid peak times if possible.
"Where possible wear a mask where you're not eating and drinking," he said.
"Also important to remember if you're outdoors, you're in a much safer place than in a crowded indoor environment."
All of the health district's new cases are linked to known or existing cases and clusters, but eight were infectious in the community.
Hunter New England now grapples with 405 active cases, with four in hospital and one requiring intensive care.
Three deaths and 179 new cases were identified in Tuesday's update, with 160 people in hospital around the state.
More than 62,000 tests were conducted in the 24-hour period, which also led to an increase in the number of cases of the new strain of the virus on Australian soil.
There are four confirmed Omicron variant cases in NSW after genomic sequencing confirmed the virus in two passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight out of southern Africa.
The fully-vaccinated travellers landed in Sydney on Sunday, and all other passengers on that flight have been considered close contacts.
