BY JARROD MELMETH
COVID-19 restrictions in the Hunter have been extended for a further 7 days, as health authorities try to contain Sydney's outbreak.
It was revealed on Wednesday morning, health officials asked for an extension of restrictions to get on top of the highly contagious Delta COVID variant.
There were 27 locally acquired cases recorded in NSW overnight.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says only 13 of the 27 cases were in isolation during their infectious period.
Face-to-face learning will resume in regional NSW, including the Hunter, while Greater Sydney will learn online. It's hoped all students will return to the classroom on July 19.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she is happy to see no positive cases in regional communities.
"I want to thank our regional communities for their patience. We have had a few false alarms and a few close calls in the regions but the community has responded by coming out and getting tested and isolating.
"Can I also say to regional communities, thank you for alerting police and CrimeStoppers when people from Greater Sydney have been coming into your community.
"You have defended your communities and we are really grateful to you for that," Ms Berejiklian said.
The Hunter will be required to continue wearing face masks in all indoor settings including workplaces and gyms, limit household visitors at any one time to five people, no dancing at hospitality venues or nightclubs, and adhere to the one person per four square metre rule.
Greater Sydney's stay at home order has been extended to July 19 also with residents in these areas only allowed to leave home for essential reasons including, essential work or education, exercise, medical, obtain food or other goods and services.
