A drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic has opened at Belmont Hospital as the number of cases in the Hunter continues to rise.
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There are now 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region, compared to two last weekend.
The figure is expected to increase exponentially in coming weeks.
The latest Hunter cases include a woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s who recently returned from Italy, a woman in her 20s who recently returned from a Pacific cruise, a man in his 70s who is a relative of a previously reported coronavirus case and a woman in her late teens who recently returned from Canada.
The new cases were part of the state's biggest jump in COVID-19 cases with 75 people testing positive to the virus within 24 hours.
Four people onboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship which docked in Sydney from New Zealand on Friday were among the new cases.There are now 382 confirmed cases across the state.
Seven people have also died from the virus in NSW.
Those wishing to attend the Belmont clinic should call 4923 2211 between 8am-4pm, seven days a week to be screened before attending.
The Belmont clinic joins those already operating at John Hunter, Maitland and Calvary Mater Newcastle hospitals.
Public health physician Tony Merritt, said Hunter New England Health was not disclosing the location of coronavirus cases in order to protect the privacy and welfare of those affected.
"These are challenging and confronting times, and I understand people's desire to know as much as they can to best protect themselves against this virus," he said.
"You can rest assured that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts are either being treated in hospital or are in self-isolation to ensure there is no ongoing risk of infection to others in the community."
"Locations where these people with COVID-19 live, work or have visited do not pose any ongoing risk to the public. And it's important that we respect their privacy while they recover.
Dr Merritt commended those who were complying with self-isolation directions.
"It's them that will make the biggest difference in slowing the spread of this virus," he said.
"I want to assure the community that as we have done over the past weeks, and in line with national protocols, we will let the community know of any public locations where there has been a known risk of infection."
The health service has again stressed the importance of good hand hygiene, social distancing, covering up if you cough or sneeze and staying at home if you are feeling unwell.
READ MORE:
Live and breaking news updates: The coronavirus crisis in Newcastle and the Hunter
