Following positive coronavirus tests from residents in the Singleton and Upper Hunter shires last week, there was a sense of inevitability about the outbreak reaching their neighbouring local government area (LGA).

However, as of Saturday, March 28 the authorities had only confirmed between one and four cases in the area, meaning the region is yet to be significantly impacted.

The Hunter-New England Health (HNEH) District has now recorded 189 positive novel coronavirus tests, with two recoveries.

Of those, 150 were overseas acquired, a further 25 were a result of a direct contact with a confirmed case, 11 were from unknown sources and 3 were under investigation.

HNEH are currently communicating with close contacts of the latest cases, and instructing them to isolate for 14 days from their last interaction with the person who tested positive. Should any of those people display symptoms, they will also be tested.

People with confirmed cases are also receiving daily wellness checks.

Self-isolating whenever possible is strongly advised in order to avoid an outbreak in the region.

Self-hygiene is also heavily encouraged, with residents being told to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching their face.

NSW Health's Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim, recently gave a breakdown of statistics regarding COVID-19 in the region and said it is starting to hit the regional LGAs as well.

"COVID-19 is close to all of us," he stated.

"Now is the time for all of us to do everything we can to slow down this virus. The people that are cases that are in home isolation who have got COVID-19 are doing the right thing by keeping themselves isolated."

More information and a breakdown of cases can be found on the NSW Health website.