NSW Health officials are warning there are 20 COVID outbreaks in aged care homes across the Hunter New England Health district.
Public Health Physician David Durrheim says the cases have returned to levels not seen since January this year.
Eighteen outbreaks are COVID-related, one is battling RSV and another facility is fighting a combination of the two.
"We have heard anecdotal reports of increases in cases in schools," Dr Durrheim said.
"We are also seeing higher numbers of COVID hospitalisations as well
"The most important thing is to try and prevent it getting in in the first place.
"That really means that visitors and staff have to be particularly careful about not taking it in."
Estia Health Tea Gardens recorded 50 cases in staff and residents, as well as multiple deaths, in the previous reporting period.
A spokesperson for the nursing home said that cases had thankfully dropped to six.
"We confirm that our home in Tea Gardens has recently been managing an outbreak of COVID-19," a statement said.
"As per our protocols, we have been working closely with the local Public Health Unit, with frequent testing clinics being conducted and regular communication with residents' families.
"During this COVID-19 outbreak the home has continued to welcome family and friends as visitors to the home."
Dr Durrheim says about 80 people are being treated for COVID in the district's hospitals — another number that hasn't been seen almost four months.
He says hospital admissions are the most reliable way to understand how the virus is having an impact, given testing and reporting is no longer mandatory.
Sewage detections aren't used on a large scale either, and there are delays in seeing real-time data on COVID deaths through Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The latest federal government data on COVID outbreaks in aged care facilities, revealed 2,755 active cases among residents across the country on May 25.
It's a jump from the 2,191 active reported cases a week ago.
Meanwhile, data from the NSW government shows 69 people have died from COVID across the state in the past seven days.
It also shows more than 2,200 COVID cases were recorded in the Hunter New England health district through PCR and rapid antigen tests.
COVID boosters encouraged
Health officials are encouraging people to get a COVID booster, especially if they've not had one in the last six months or if they visit aged care facilities regularly.
"At this time, when there is so much COVID in the community," Dr Durrheim said.
"It's a good idea to get a RAT test before going in [to an aged care facility].
"Also wearing a mask in shared areas is a sensible thing to do as well."
Although antivirals are available, he said COVID vaccinations have the biggest impact on reducing severe illness and death.
"A study that was published just last week across Australia by the National Centre for Immunisation Research showed a dramatic impact on decreasing deaths and severe disease among people who had recently been vaccinated," Dr Durrheim said.
"That was in anybody over the age of 65."
