THERE were an additional four cases of coronavirus diagnosed in the Hunter on Saturday, on top of the eight already reported, taking the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region to 30.
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Hunter New England Health released an update on Sunday to say that, as at 8pm on Saturday, four more cases had been confirmed.
Health staff continue to undertake daily wellness checks with all confirmed cases in the district.
Hunter New England Health is contacting close contacts of the new cases, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact. They will be contacted every day to check that they are well and any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection.
It comes as NSW experienced its biggest jump in infections in a 24-hour period.
NSW Health authorities have identified 83 new coronavirus infections in the state, taking the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 436.
Hunter New England Health public health physician Dr David Durrheim said on Saturday the six of the eight new local cases were in home isolation.
Two were in hospital.
Dr Durrheim said the majority of the region's confirmed cases had come from exposure to the virus overseas, or close contact with known COVID-19 cases.
"But there are a few where the source of infection has not been able to be determined. This means there could be some low level spread in the community," Dr Durrheim said.
"Now is the time to really social distance. Step back. No touch. Wash your hands. Don't go out with a cold, a fever or a cough."
