Premier says the Hunter is showing signs of stabilisation, as the region records nine new cases of COVID-19

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded nine cases of COVID-19, bringing the regions total to 104 cases since August 5.

Across the state 415 cases were recorded with at least 66 infectious while in the community.

Of the new cases in the Hunter, three are in Newcastle, three in Port Stephens, two in Maitland, and one in Lake Macquarie. Two were infectious in the community, while one is under investigation.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says while it's pleasing to see positive results in the Hunter, the Maitland local government area is an area of concern due to a number of additional cases overnight.

NSW Health has advised of more exposure sites across the Hunter overnight including in Charlestown and Cardiff.

Anyone who attended the following venues is considered a close contact and is required to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Priceline Pharmacy, Charlestown Square on Wednesday 4 August between 1:55pm - 2:05pm
• Woolworths, Cardiff on Saturday 7 August between 1:17pm - 1:45pm
• Charlestown Square Shopping Centre (whole centre) on Wednesday 4 August between 1:04pm - 3:45pm
• Gadget Mall, Charlestown Square on Wednesday 4 August between 2:38pm - 2:39pm

On the vaccine front, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a further one million Pfizer doses have been secured from Poland and are currently en route to Australia.

Of those, around 500,000 doses will be directed to NSW and are set to be rolled out as early as next week.