The Cessnock local government area will reach the 80 per cent fully-vaccinated milestone in time to welcome back visitors from Greater Sydney next week.
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Federal Government data released on Monday showed 79.2 per cent of Cessnock's eligible residents had had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the city's single-dose rate sat at 94 per cent.
The Hunter Valley is expecting an influx of tourists from next week as fully-vaccinated Greater Sydney residents will be allowed to travel to regional NSW from Monday.
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Regional travel had earlier been included in the second phase of the government's roadmap to reopening (which kicked in on October 18 when the state reached 80 per cent double-dosed), but it was then delayed until November 1 in order to allow to regional vaccination rates to catch up.
Several walk-in clinics have been held in Cessnock in recent weeks, which have accelerated the local vaccine uptake.
For those still seeking the jab, two Pfizer hubs will be held in the Cessnock LGA this week. Hunter New England Health will hold a clinic at Kurri Kurri Girl Guide Hall on Wednesday from 9am to 1pm. Another hub will be held at Finding Yellow hall (92 Station Street, Weston) on Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Both clinics will be open to everyone aged 12 and over, with no booking required.
Meanwhile, Cessnock has had its lowest weekly total of COVID cases in the past month, with 56 new cases recorded since last Wednesday.
Exposure sites announced in the past week include Cessnock Police Station (October 21 from 5.30pm to 6pm); Cessnock Court House (October 13, 10am-10.50am); HK Nails and Beauty Spa (October 13, 9.20am-10.35am), and Australia Post Wollombi (October 13, 1pm-3pm and October 15, 1pm-2pm).
Anyone who attended this venue at these times is a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative COVID result.