BY JARROD MELMETH
The Hunters lockdown will be extended by one week as the region records 24 cases of COVID-19.
The news hasn't come as a complete shock, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying on Wednesday it is unlikely the Hunter would come out of lockdown after recording 14 cases.
Of the 24 cases recorded locally, 14 in Lake Macquarie, seven in Newcastle, two in Maitland and one in Port Stephens. Concerningly, six were infectious within the community while, 13 of the new cases are under investigation as the source of their infection remains a mystery.
Included in todays numbers are 12 residents from the Masonic Village at Edgeworth who tested positive after a staff member worked while infectious. The residents are being cared for at the John Hunter Hospital. Two other aged care facilities where infectious workers worked at Jesmond and Waratah have recorded no new cases as yet.
Overnight NSW Health released a number of new COVID exposure sites across the Hunter including Boho Black Cafe at Glendale, Super Vape Store at Charlestown, Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale, Terry White Chemist at Cardiff, Woodrising Discount Drug Store, The Newcastle Hotel at Islington, Cardiff Woolworths and The Grumpy Baker at the Junction
For the full list of dates and times for any of the venues of concern, head to the NSW Health website.
Business Hunter has been critical of the governments decision not to announce the extension of lockdown sooner so businesses could have some certainty.
State wide, NSW recorded 345 cases, of which at least 60 were infectious in the community.
