BY JARROD MELMETH
COVID-19 restrictions in the Hunter have been extended for a further 14 days, as health authorities try to contain Sydney's outbreak.
Restrictions which have been in place since June 26 will remain unchanged until July 30.
The state recorded 97 new cases of locally acquired COVID-19 to 8pm on Tuesday night with at least 31 of those in the community during part or all of their infectious period.
The extension follows the announcement of a financial support package from the state and federal governments on Tuesday afternoon.
NSW residents who have lost work hours can apply for financial assistance up to $600 per week through Services Australia.
Businesses can apply for assistance with grants between $7,500 and $15,000 available to eligible businesses with annual wages up to $10 million through Service NSW. A new grant program was also introduced for smaller micro businesses with turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.
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 30 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.
