The Hunter has recorded its first day with zero local COVID-19 cases since the outbreak began on August 5.
The good news for the Hunter comes as the state records another daily record of 1029 cases.
Due to some concerns around cases, Regional NSW including the Hunter will remain in lockdown until midnight Friday 10 September.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also announced a road map with freedoms unlocked as the state hits vaccination targets, which includes one set to start from September 13.
From September 13, anyone who lives outside the LGAs of concern, outdoor gatherings of up to five people (including children, all adults must be vaccinated) will be allowed in a person's LGA or within 5km of home.
Anyone who lives in the LGAs of concern households with all adults vaccinated will be able to gather outdoors for recreation within the existing rules (for one hour only, outside curfew hours and within 5km of home).
The new freedoms do not include gathering at a persons home. It must be done in a public space.
As part of the roadmap when 70 per cent full vaccination is achieved, a range of family, industry, community and economic restrictions will be lifted for those who are vaccinated.
Once 80 per cent full vaccination is reached there will be further easing of restrictions on industry, community and the economy.
In another positive sign for the Hunter no local exposure sites were listed by health authorities overnight.
Seven 7-Eleven stores at Lambton, Shortland, Belmont North, Charlestown, Warners Bay, Marks Point and Gateshead which were previously listed as exposure sites have now been deemed as not venues of concern.
Hunter New England Health says 7-Eleven closed the stores and did the required cleaning following the notification however, the Venue Risk Assessment team has done a formal assessment on these sites and finds they are not venues of concern for the wider community.
