The Cessnock LGA has had a significant spike in COVID-19 cases over the past week, with 29 new cases since last Wednesday.
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This includes 14 new cases in Weston, seven in Kurri Kurri, two each in Cessnock and Heddon Greta, and one each in Cliftleigh, Abermain, North Rothbury and Branxton.
The Cessnock local government area is still below the state average for vaccination rates, with 77 per cent of the eligible population having received a single dose, and 42.5 percent fully-vaccinated, but plans are underway to establish a walk-in vaccination hub in the city in the coming weeks (with a location to be confirmed).
New South Wales's single-dose figure officially passed 85 per cent by Monday morning, with double doses at 60 per cent.
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However, adjustments have been made to the 70 per cent roadmap, with travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW (for fully-vaccinated people) now not allowed until the 80 per cent double-dose target is reached (which is expected to happen about two weeks later).
"This change is necessary to give some regional areas the time they need to increase local vaccination rates," Deputy Premier John Barilaro said on Monday.
Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said while the extended restrictions on travel were "tough news" for tourism and hospitality operators who rely heavily on Sydney visitors, it is necessary from a health perspective.
"It's absolutely essential - we have to put human safety first," he said.
Mr Barr said he hoped the extra couple of weeks and an increase of vaccine supply will help Cessnock to catch up in time for what is expected to be a huge influx of visitors.
"There has been a boost in supply of Pfizer, and a vaccination hub will help enormously," he said.
"Chemists are starting to take supply of Moderna.
"Over the next four to six weeks, we can give this a real crack and have a shot of being 70 per cent double-vaxed by the end of October.
"It's all coming together at the 11th hour - and we've waited and waited for it - but the extra couple of weeks with no Sydney visitors could be game-changing in helping us stay safe."
- Australian Community Media, the publisher of the Advertiser, is running a national campaign called VAXTHENATION to encourage those eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine to do so as soon as possible to help protect our standard of health, lift our quality of living, and boost our economy. Read more here.
