A COVID-19 outbreak on the maternity ward and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle has grown to six cases, according to Hunter New England Health.
Dr Paul Craven, medical controller for HNE Health's COVID response, confirmed all positive cases were parents of newborns. All babies receiving neonatal intensive care have tested negative multiple times.
The outbreak began four days ago when a mother on the maternity ward reported respiratory symptoms. She was immediately isolated and tested positive for COVID.
Close and casual contacts on the maternity ward and in the NICU at John Hunter Children's Hospital were contacted, tested, and told to isolate. This included parents and staff.
Dr Craven stated that all staff wore PPE while caring for these families and have tested negative. The babies in the NICU were assessed as low-risk but have been tested multiple times with negative results.
Parents who are isolating can access the NICU's NICView camera system to see their baby 24 hours a day. Unaffected parents can continue visiting the unit.
