There are 25 people with the virus in Hunter New England hospitals, including one patient in intensive care.

Of the new cases reported in the 24-hour period, 698 were detected by rapid antigen tests and 263 by PCR tests.

It came as NSW recorded 9017 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths during the period.

There are 1066 COVID-19 patients in the state's hospitals, with 43 in ICU.

Hospitalisation numbers, statewide, are up on the previous day when 1009 patients were being cared for, while ICU numbers remain stable at 43.

Of the new cases, 5970 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 3047 came from PCR testing.

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