PUBS, clubs and party settings have been flagged as a concern for COVID-19 transmission as Christmas approaches, but the Hunter has no cases of the virus requiring hospital care.
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Four fresh COVID-19 cases have emerged in the Hunter Region as the health district streamlines its daily reporting, foregoing breakdowns of suburbs where cases were found.
NSW Health has also urged people to take precautions during the silly season.
"As Christmas approaches and more of us gather with friends, family and colleagues to celebrate we all need to be really vigilant," NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty said.
Dr McAnulty urged people not to attend venues if they felt unwell and to wear a mask if unable to socially distance.
"If celebrating indoors, choose large well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows," he said.
NSW has sidestepped fresh Omicron cases despite cases climbing over 500 for the first time in weeks.
Hunter New England Health added 11 cases in Friday's update, which came off the back of more than 90,000 tests across NSW.
Seven were in Midcoast local government area, with two in Newcastle and two in Port Stephens.
Hunter New England Health did not break down further where the cases were based.
"As NSW quickly approaches 15 December when most remaining restrictions will be lifted, we are providing a more succinct overview of COVID-19 in our district," Hunter New England Health said in a statement.
"Of course, in instances when there is public health concern we will provide you with more information."
More than 500 cases were recorded in NSW for the first time in months, but there were no new Omicron variant infections recorded in the state.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty said there were now 42 cases in total, with 13 acquired overseas or on international flights, with the remainder locally acquired.
"To date there have been no cases of Omicron admitted to hospital in NSW," he said.
There were also no deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.
About 90 residents at a Bondi backpackers have been asked to isolate, he said, but "at this stage omicron is not suspected".
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