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THE number of coronavirus cases in the Hunter has jumped to five as NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard linked the Oakvale Winery with a COVID-19. Hunter New England Health (HNEH) confirmed it was now providing care and support to three additional people on Monday, March 16. These previously announced cases include a 20-year-old man doing well in home isolation; another in his 60s doing well in home isolation; and a woman in her 60s, who is well but has been admitted to hospital as a precaution. HNEH public health physician Dr David Durrheim said there was a link to all three. "The male in his 20s has been identified as the source of infection for the woman in her 60s (announced on March 14) and the male in his 60s confirmed today," he explained. "The male in his 60s is also related and health staff are undertaking daily wellness checks with this family cluster. "Hunter New England Health contacted close contacts of the three new cases, who have also been asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact. "They will be contacted every day by the public health unit to check that they are well and any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection. "The male in his 20s works in tourism and was likely exposed through interaction with an international tour groups." As a precaution, anyone who visited Oakvale Winery on Broke Road, Pokolbin, between March 4 and 13 should be alert for fever or respiratory symptoms. "If they develop any of these symptoms, they should contact their GP or present to an Emergency Department," Dr Durrheim said. "There is no ongoing risk for visitors to Oakvale Wines. "The female in her 60s confirmed today she has not travelled internationally and the source of her infection is still being investigated. "While she remains in a stable condition, she has been admitted to John Hunter Hospital for monitoring. "I want to assure the public that is still safe to visit the hospital. "All the necessary precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of infection while the patient is in our care. "We ask everyone in Hunter-New England to play a part in containing the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you're unwell. "Visit the NSW Health website for more advice."

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Coronavirus cases in Hunter jump to five following Oakvale Winery link