A man living in the Glen Innes Severn local government area was confirmed as infected with the virus on Sunday, according to Hunter New England Health (HNEH).

The man, in his 30s, was exposed to the virus at the Granites gold mine in the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory.

He has remained in isolation since his return home to the Glen Innes area.

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HNEH reports there is no current risk of infection to the local community. The case is not linked to the Bondi cluster.

It is the first confirmed local case of COVID-19 in the Hunter New England Local Health District since August 5, 2020.

Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Controller for Hunter New England Health's COVID-19 response, said the confirmed case serves as a timely reminder for rural and regional communities.

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"We are at a real tipping point in the pandemic. While there is little risk of infection from this latest case, it's important that we all remain vigilant," he said.

"I urge everyone to adhere to the restrictions put in place yesterday by the NSW Government. We need to wear our masks, practice hygiene measures, and maintain our distance to keep this virus at bay. It is critical that we all continue to check-in to venues using the QR codes provided."

He urged anyone who has returned from Northern Territory mine to NSW since June 18 should immediately isolate and call their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.

Health officials urge anyone who has experienced fever or the recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste and smell, to seek testing immediately and isolate until a negative result is returned.

Residents of Greater Sydney yesterday went into a two-week lockdown as a result of an 80-case coronavirus outbreak in the state's capital.

All residents of NSW, including regional areas, became subject to additional restrictions, including a mask mandate, social distancing obligations and more.

NSW reported 30 new coronavirus cases on Sunday.

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