Health authorities urge residents to get tested and vaccinated as COVID cluster grows in Nelson Bay

Since the regional lockdown was announced by the NSW government on August 5, the overwhelming majority of COVID-19 cases in Port Stephens have centred around the Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Williamtown areas.

Unfortunately in the past week there has been a growing cluster of positive cases affecting a number of suburbs on the Peninsula, including Shoal Bay, Salamander Bay and Nelson Bay.

Four cases were recorded in Port Stephens on Friday, 10 on Saturday, seven on Sunday, one on Monday and two on Tuesday.

Three cases were recorded in Port Stephens on Wednesday - one each in Salamander Bay, Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay.

The Salamander Bay case was infectious while in the community. Health authorities are investigating the source of the infection as it is "unlinked" to another case.

The Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay cases are linked to a positive case in their households and were isolating while infectious.

Hunter New England Health public health physician Dr David Durrheim told the Examiner that a number of the new cases had been linked to family groups while others had been infected through social networks within the community.

"The real issue is that a high proportion of cases have actually been active in the community while infectious," Dr Durrheim said.

"This has seen a growing number of venues that are at high risk and we are are concerned that there could more exposures to people inadvertently in the Port Stephens community.

"So everyone in Port Stephens should not ignore even the mildest of respiratory symptoms, a mild cough, a sniffle or sore throat. The medical advice is to go get tested, isolate and make sure you don't spread the virus around. It is important that we stamp out the virus in the Port Stephens area."

The other area of concern in more recent days has been the Heatherbrae area, where a number of occupants at the Motto Park Motel have tested positive to coronavirus.

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Anyone concerned about being a close contact, NSW Health sends a text message to people who have checked in at close contact venues with further information. They also make a follow-up call to close contacts to discuss the isolation and testing requirements.

New testing clinics have opened in Anna Bay and Tea Gardens, and another is due to open in Raymond Terrace.

Medtech Services and 4Cyte Pathology will operate a drive-through testing clinic at King Park Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace from Thursday, September 9. The clinic will operate Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday 7.30am to 1pm and Sunday 8am to 12pm. No appointment or referral is needed.

"We're pleased to be able to expand our services further around the region," Nick Burns from Medtech Services.

Meanwhile, the Port Stephens local government area remains one of the most vaccinated in the Hunter region.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said that with more than 70 per cent of eligible Port Stephens residents having received their vaccination, the community was doing what's needed to ensure they curb the spread of the delta strain of COVID-19.

"However, we still need locals to keep coming forward to get vaccinated and to push that figure higher. Getting vaccinated and following the health orders is the best thing that we can do to ensure that we limit the impact of the outbreak in Port Stephens and have current restrictions lifted."

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said that the growing number of COVID-19 case numbers in Port Stephens had been disappointing.

"While this isn't welcome news, it's a similar experience across the rest of NSW where cases continue to rise," he said. "Local police are working closely with NSW Health to help contain the spread in pockets of our community.

"Another testing clinic has been approved for King Park, Raymond Terrace and is set to open this week to provide more testing facilities across our region. If you have even the slightest of symptoms, please come forward and get tested to help us prevent the spread.

"We have also been working with local community groups to distribute PPE including face masks, wipes and hand sanitiser provided by Resilience NSW to those who need it.

"I want thank everyone who has continued to do the right thing by staying home, getting tested and getting vaccinated in record numbers. Let's keep it up so that we can continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community."

As of Tuesday, there had been no official announcement from the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on the status of the restrictions currently in pace until September 10. However, the message from Deputy Premier John Barilaro indicated that the Hunter would remain in lockdown after this date.

An official decision is expected to be made public on Thursday.

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