THE VIRUS that causes COVID-19 has been detected again in the Glen Innes sewage after a sample was taken two days ago.
There are no known cases in the area and authorities are urging locals to be vigilant and get tested if symptoms develop.
No cases of the virus were detected in Tamworth in the latest daily update, and the city's latest sewage results have not yet returned a result.
Meanwhile in the Hunter region, COVID cases have hit an unwanted new record, spiking to 27 as clusters in Mayfield and Tenambit swell.
Hunter New England Health said 13 are linked to two separate clusters, one at Mayfield and Charlestown and another at Tenambit.
Tuesday's Hunter figures included several cases linked to a Mayfield charity, City Sleep Safe, that provides emergency accommodation.
Of the 13 connected cases revealed on Wednesday, nine are linked and their source of infection known. Two are unlinked with an unknown source, and three remain under investigation.
Lake Macquarie's cases included two in Charlestown, two in Mount Hutton, one in Cardiff South, another in Windale, one in Fishing Point and a Wyee Point case.
Five of Newcastle's seven cases were in Mayfield, with the other two in Hamilton South and Elermore Vale.
Six of Maitland's seven cases are from Tenambit, with a seventh from Beresfield.
Cessnock had two cases and a third in Cliftleigh, while Port Stephens added Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay cases.
The fresh numbers follow a range of fresh exposures declared in the region, including Newcastle Courthouse, as well as a cargo ship crew aboard a vessel off the coast.
Across the state 12 people died with the virus in the 24-hour period, all were in Sydney hospitals but one woman in her 60s who died at her Sydney home.
One woman aged in her 30s are among those that sadly died, and the others range in age between 50s and 90s.
NSW has hit the 80 per cent first dose milestone in its vaccination drive, with 47.5 per cent fully vaccinated.
Premier Glayds Berejiklian said the milestone meant that authorities knew "we won't overwhelm the health system" when they reopen.
"To reach our first dose of 80 per cent is a huge tribute to everyone in the community" she said.
"Just an outstanding result compared to where we are today and where we've been."
The state recorded 1259 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday,
Curfews will lift in Sydney's areas of concern as a result of the vaccination milestone, but Ms Berejiklian said "we can't move on anything else right now".
"we need everybody to hold the line," she said.
"We've seen a stabilisation in the last few days, and we don't want that trend to go the wrong way."
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
