COVID-19: Hunter New England records 987 new cases in 24 hours to 4pm on March 5, 2022

Figures released on Sunday showed that Hunter New England recorded 987 fresh cases of the virus and no new deaths in the latest reporting period.

Of the new cases, 660 were detected by rapid antigen tests and 327 by PCR tests.

No-one with the virus died in the local health district during the 24-hour period.

There are 22 people with COVID-19 in Hunter New England hospitals, including one who is receiving intensive care.

It came as NSW recorded 8782 new cases and five deaths in the 24 hours to 4pm on Saturday.

There are 1009 COVID-19 patients in the state's hospitals, with 43 in ICU.

Hospitalisation numbers were up on the previous day, when 995 patients were being cared for, while ICU numbers were down - with 45 in intensive care the previous day.

Of the new cases across NSW, 5509 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 3273 came from PCR tests.

The NSW population aged 16 years and over is 94.4 per cent double vaccinated, while 95.8 per cent have had their first shot - 55.7 per cent have had their third dose of vaccine.

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