Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri COVID-19 update: case numbers grow across region as health officials recommend booster shots, masks and tests

Tamworth locals have lined up in droves for tests as the Newcastle outbreak swells, with some residents still hopeful they'll return a positive result before travelling interstate for the Christmas break.

A further three people tested positive in Tamworth in the 24 hours to 8pm, with six in Moree, and one in Narrabri.

There were no new cases in Gunnedah or Armidale.

Two people died in the 24-hour period, the health authority said in an update on Tuesday morning.

Things aren't looking up for Newcastle, with 326 more people falling victim to the virus after a super-spreader event at a number of the city's popular nightclubs.

Hunter New England Health public health physician Dr David Durrheim urged the community to get tested if they experience even the mildest of symptoms, with a total of 820 new cases diagnosed across the district.

"Of the 5196 total active cases, 14 are receiving care in our hospitals and one is in ICU," he said.

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"We urge anyone who is yet to receive their vaccination to do so and book in for a booster if eligible.

"We continue to remind everyone to continue to practise COVID-safe behaviours, including wearing a mask in settings where you cannot physically distance."

That includes indoor environments and avoiding crowded venues and indoor gatherings.

At least 3,160 people have turned up for tests in Tamworth from December 12 until Sunday, with more results expected to come in throughout the week.

Tamworth hospital remains closed to visitors amid the virus scare, keeping one local woman separated from her husband with dementia.

NSW Health announced the increased restrictions on visitation on Thursday, explaining it was in light of "increasing transmission rates with the emergence of the Omicron variant".

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