Of the new cases, 12 are from Newcastle LGA, nine are from Lake Macquarie LGA, three are from Maitland LGA, one is from Mid Coast LGA, one is from Muswellbrook LGA, one is from Port Stephens LGA and one is from Tamworth Regional LGA.

Of the 201 active cases, one has been confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant.

In the news:

Hunter New England Health is urging the community to receive their booster vaccine if eligible and get tested if experiencing any symptoms.

COVID-19 booster vaccinations are available for people aged 18 and over who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least five months ago.

For people who are severely immunocompromised, a third dose is recommended two-six months after their second dose.

The University of Newcastle Fifth Year Medical Ball at Newcastle NEX on Friday, December 10 is now a venue of concern and was visited by a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the ball is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for seven days.

On Sunday night (December 12), NSW Health updated its advice for the Argyle House nightclub in Newcastle after further COVID-19 transmission at the venue.

Anyone who attended the Argyle House from 9pm, December 8 to 3am, December 9 is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for seven days.

Overnight, another 60 cases were confirmed and they will be reported in tomorrow's case numbers.

Household contacts of close contacts from both venues must also get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received by everyone in your household.

680 people checked into the Argyle House using the Service NSW QR code and NSW Health is appealing for anyone who did not check in to urgently get tested and isolate, and for the community to ensure other potential attendees are aware of this advice.

NSW Health is urging everyone of the importance of maintaining COVID-safe practices with transmission occurring at social events during the festive period.

Everyone should remain vigilant when celebrating with family, friends and colleagues and should not attend any social functions if they have any symptoms, no matter how mild.

There are more than 450 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.

We remind our communities that even COVID-19 cases who are fully vaccinated can still transmit the virus, even though the risk is reduced. People should not go to work, and should immediately get tested and isolate, if they experience any symptoms.

For full details of all testing clinics, including locations and opening hours, visit the NSW Health website.

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