Hunter records 39 new COVID-19 cases, as statewide daily deaths hit zero

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter New England region has recorded another 39 fresh COVID-19 infections. 

There are currently 888 active cases across the district. 18 of these are in hospital with the virus, including three in intensive care.

3,809 cases have been detected across the Hunter New England Health District since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

MID COAST - 7

Taree 33, Wingham 2, Forster 1, Purfleet 1.

INVERELL - 7

Inverell 4, Tingha 3.

MOREE PLAINS - 5

Moree 5.

TAMWORTH - 5

Tamworth 3, Hilvue 1, Oxley Vale 1.

NEWCASTLE - 5

Wickham 3, Maryland 1, Warabrook 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 4

Heatherbrae 3, Raymond Terrace 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 2

Cameron Park 1, Windale 1.

ARMIDALE - 2

Armidale 1, Old Mill 1.

CESSNOCK - 1

Greta 1.

DUNGOG - 1

Clarence Town 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 250 new local cases and zero deaths

228 people are in hospital with the virus, including 332 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 90.8 per cent double dose and 94.1 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no local exposure sites to report.

Man in 70's becomes latest Hunter COVID-19 fatality, as the region records 57 new cases

BY JARROD MELMETH  

A man his has died in Maitland overnight with COVID-19. 

The man in his 70s, was being cared for in Maitland Hospital, was fully vaccinated and had significant underlying health issues.

The fatality comes as Hunter New England records 57 new local cases.

There are currently 833 active cases across the region, of which 19 are being cared for in hospital, including two in intensive care.

3,770 cases have been recorded across the local health district since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

MID COAST - 16

Taree 10, Forster 3, Boomerang Beach 1, Tinonee 1, Tuncurry 1.

MOREE PLAINS - 13

Moree 13.

INVERELL - 12

Inverell 7, Tingha 5.

PORT STEPHENS - 6

Shoal Bay 2, Raymond Terrace 2, Boat Harbour 1, Heatherbrae 1.

TAMWORTH - 3

Calala 1, Moonbi 1, South Tamworth 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 3

Belmont North 1, Gateshead 1, Teralba 1.

NEWCASTLE - 2

Warabrook 2.

DUNGOG - 1

Clarence Town 1.

MAITLAND - 1

Gillieston Heights 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 286 new local cases and two deaths

236 people are in hospital with the virus, including 34 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 90.6 per cent double dose and 94.1 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no local exposure sites to report.

Appeal for dashcam footage of hit and run at Islington

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle Police are appealing for dashcam footage after a pedestrian was hit by a car in Islington last month.

On Saturday 23 October, a female was hit by a white SUV as she crossed the intersection of Maitland Road and Hubbard Street, where she sustained broken ribs due to the collision.

Police say the driver of the vehicle did not stop and made no attempt to render assistance or provide details.

Anyone with information or footage of the incident is being urged to contact Newcastle Police Station.

HIT AND RUN: The intersection of Maitland Road and
 Hubbard Street, Islington

60 new COVID-19 cases, half in Moree and Mid Coast LGA's

BY JARROD MELMETH

60 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded across Hunter New England with just under half of the cases in the Moree and Mid Coast local government areas.

Across the region there are 824 active cases, of which 17 are in hospital, including four in intensive care.

There have been 3,713 infections across the Hunter New England Health District since August 5. 

CASE BREAKDOWN

MOREE PLAINS - 15

Boggabilla 2, Moree 13.

MID COAST - 14

Forster 1, Hawks Nest 1, Nabiac 2, Purfleet 1, Taree 7, Tinonee 1, Tuncurry 1.

INVERELL - 6

Inverell 2, Tingha 4.

TAMWORTH - 6

South Tamworth 2, West Tamworth 2.

ARMIDALE - 5

Armidale 5.

PORT STEPHENS - 5

Anna Bay 1, Nelson Bay 1, Raymond Terrace 2, Shoal Bay 1

CESSNOCK - 4

Abermain 2, Cessnock 1, Kurri Kurri 1.

NEWCASTLE - 3

Maryland 1, Maryville 1, Wallsend 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 1

Caves Beach 1.

MAITLAND - 1

Maitland 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 261 new local cases and one deaths

228 people are in hospital with the virus, including 40 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 90.4 per cent double dose and 94 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no local exposure sites to report.

New laws to give Hunter survivors of institutional child abuse access to fair compensation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Survivors of institutional child abuse - including those who were abused in the care of religious organisations - will be able to overturn inadequate settlement payments under new laws that have passed in the NSW Parliament.

The Civil Liability Amendment (Child Abuse) Act 2021 gives NSW courts the power to set aside unfair historical settlement agreements for sexual and serious physical abuse. Historically, these settlements were made with survivors who were often suffering from trauma and with no legal advice.

The removal of these barriers, is hoped to even out a significant power imbalance between survivors and institutions. It is in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutionalised  Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, including eliminating limitation periods for claims and abolishing the legal technicalities that shielded some institutions from lawsuits.

NSW head of abuse law at Maurice Blackburn, Danielle De Paoli says many survivors felt they had no choice but to accept paltry settlements for the mistreatment they suffered, and to sign deeds of release waiving their rights to a future civil claim.

"These survivors carry lifelong trauma, with many suffering from complex physical and mental health issues because of the abuse. When faced with pressure from an institution to settle a claim, they felt like they had no other option," Ms De Paoli said.

In some instances, survivors signed up to payments of as little as $5,000 for the abuse that occurred, along with deeds that prevented them from speaking out, or going to court for a higher payout.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman says the new laws are about righting the wrongs of the past.

"To ensure survivors can access the civil justice they deserve and be properly compensated for the appalling mistreatment they suffered as children."

Revised Muswellbrook Bypass plans released

BY JARROD MELMETH 

Revised plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass have been released by the state government, with community feedback being sought. 

Online information sessions are being held in November where the community will have the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns with the bypass to the Transport for NSW team.

There have been a number of changes, following a community consultation period in 2020 including; 

• A full connection at Coal Road, providing a link to Muswellbrook Town Centre
• Connection to Burtons Lane and the New England Highway modified to join to the roundabout at the northern connection
• Connection of Koolbury Flats Row and the New England Highway been moved further north providing increased safety. A dedicated left turn deceleration lane has been provided for traffic entering Koolbury Flats Row.
• Right and left turning lanes provided at the connection of Milpera Drive and the New England Highway to assists vehicle turning and movements and improve the safety of access

The latest round of community consultation is open until December 17 at 5pm.

More information on the project, information sessions and feedback can be found on the Transport for NSW website. 

Artist impression of the proposed southern connection facing
 north towards Muswellbrook.

Artist impression of the proposed Sandy Creek Bridge.

62 COVID-19 cases in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

62 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded across Hunter New England.

Across the region there are 827 active cases, of which 20 are in hospital, including three in intensive care.

25 of Tuesday's cases were infectious in the community, while 48 are linked to existing cases.

There have been 3,607 cases in the local health district since August 5. 

CASE BREAKDOWN

MOREE PLAINS - 21

Moree 21.

CESSNOCK - 11

Cessnock 7, Abermain 3, Weston 1.

MID COAST - 8

Taree 4, Forster 1, Nabiac 1, Tinonee 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 7

Cameron Park 2, Jewells 2, Brightwaters 1, Buttaba 1, Toronto 1.

NEWCASTLE - 5

Fletcher 1, Hamilton 1, Mayfield 1, Sandgate 1, Wallsend 1.

INVERELL - 3

Inverell 3.

MAITLAND - 2

Chisholm 2.

TAMWORTH - 2

Tamworth 2.

ARMIDALE - 1

Armidale 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 1

Boat Harbour 1.

SINGLETON - 1

Lambs Valley 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 222 new local cases and four deaths

254 people are in hospital with the virus, including 42 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 89.9 per cent double dose and 93.9 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

One exposure site has been listed by health authorities overnight at Nelson Bay.

Anyone who attended the following site on the specified dates and times are casual contacts and must get tested an isolate until a negative test result is received.

• Nelson Bay Swimming and Wellness Academy
• Friday 29 October between 8:55am - 12:30pm
• Tuesday 2 November between 8:50am - 11:40am & 3:25pm - 6:25pm
• Wednesday 3 November between 8:55am - 11:45am

 

40 fresh COVID-19 infection in Hunter New England, as cases settle in north west

BY JARROD MELMETH

40 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded across the Hunter New England region.

Case numbers appear to have settled in the Moree and Inverell local government areas after days of high infections.

There are currently 881 active cases across the region. 22 of those are being cared for in hospital, including three in intensive care.

3,545 cases have been detected in the Hunter New England Health district since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

MID COAST - 13

Taree 9, Bootawa 1, Diamond Beach 1, Old Bar 1, Tuncurry 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 9

Windale 4, Belmont North 3, Caves Beach 1, Glendale 1.

NEWCASTLE - 6

Mayfield 3, Georgetown 1, Maryland 1, Wallsend 1.

INVERELL - 4

Inverell 4.

MAITLAND - 3

East Maitland 1, Maitland 1, Telarah 1.

MOREE PLAINS - 2

Moree 2.

TAMWORTH - 2

Tamworth 2.

PORT STEPHENS - 1

Boat Harbour 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 187 new local cases and seven deaths

264 people are in hospital with the virus, including 48 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 89.8 per cent double dose and 93.9 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

One exposure site has been listed by health authorities overnight at Williamtown.

Anyone who attended the following site on the specified dates and times are casual contacts and must get tested an isolate until a negative test result is received.

• Newcastle Airport, Williamtown (check-in hall, security screening and departure lounge) on Monday 1 November between 1:13pm - 2:01pm
• Newcastle Airport, Williamtown (arrival hall and male toilets) on Wednesday 3 November between 1:08pm - 1:12pm

73 new COVID-19 cases across the Hunter New England, more than half in Moree and Inverell

BY JARROD MELMETH

73 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded across the Hunter New England region, with more than half in the Inverell and Moree local government areas alone.

There are 805 active cases across the region, of which 16 are being cared for in hospital, including three in intensive care.

39 of Saturday's cases were infectious in the community, while 57 are linked to existing cases.

There have been 3,428 cases in the Hunter New England Health District since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

INVERELL - 21

Inverell 11, Tingha 8, Delungra 1, Ashford 1.

MOREE PLAINS - 20

Moree 18, Boggabilla 1, Ashford 1.

NEWCASTLE - 7

Sandgate 2, Hamilton East 1, Jesmond 1, Maryville 1, Mayfield 1, Stockton 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 5

Cameron Park 1, Cardiff 1, Jewells 1, West Wallsend 1, Windale 1.

CESSNOCK - 4

Bellbird 1, Cessnock 1, Weston 2.

MAITLAND - 4

East Maitland 2, Gillieston Heights 2.

TAMWORTH - 4

Tamworth 3, Hillvue 1.

MID COAST - 3

Purfleet 1, Taree 1, Tuncurry 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 3

Boat Harbour 1, Medowie 1, Raymond Terrace 1.

ARMIDALE - 2

Armidale 2.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 270  new local cases and three deaths

270 people are in hospital with the virus, including 55 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 93.8 per cent double dose and 89.4 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no exposure sites to report.

Hunter Housing Market Continues to Skyrocket

 BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD

In a recent Housing Market Briefing by CoreLogic and ANZ, the Hunter housing market has seen a significant increase in the last 12 months. 

In comparison to the national average of around a 22% increase, the Hunter has sailed past at an almost 30% rise. 

This is shown in both the cost of buying and renting a house where the Hunter surpasses Sydney's 5% rental increase by almost being 3 to 4 times this number. 

Some of the main suburbs included in a major rental crisis are; Swansea, Gwandalan, Manning Park and Newcastle. 

The main suburbs where an increase in house prices is seen are; Gwandalan, San Remo, Wallsend, Mayfield and Newcastle. 

Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Jason Clare says that much of this is due to a low interest rates that are fueling demand for housing. 

This is making it increasingly hard for young people and potential buyers to enter into the housing market as the average housing price is almost double the average salary. 

As well as this, those applying for home loans has dropped by 20% since the start of 2021. 

The biggest worry says Mr Clare is the risk of homelessness continuing to rise. 

"As more and more people become homeless it means greater demand from help from charities here in the local area."

"It means that domestic violence refuges are full or overflowing and it also means that mums and kids that flee are often turned away." 

"Last year 10,000 mums and kids were turned away from refuges because they were full."

One of the solutions proposed by Mr Clare is an investment in establishing more affordable housing. 

Cessnock Council secure Fixing Local Roads Grant

 BY CONNOR MARSELOS

Cessnock City Council is able to announce that they were approved to receive a 1.5 million dollar grant from the State Government.

The fund is part of a program designed to help local council areas carry out repair work and maintenance on local government roads that have been deemed as a priority to handle.

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent is thrilled with the announcement that funds will be allocated to carr out work on Mount View Road and Quorroboloong Road at Kitchener.

"I'm sure local residents in these areas will be pleased to hear this announcement and see works get underway to ensure a safer and smoother drive," Mr. Pynsent says.

The repairs in the Cessnock area are part of the larger 153 million dollar, NSW Fixing Local Roads Initiative.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin , says funding projects like these are designed to give local councils a helping hand and ease their maintenance backlog on project that matter to local residents.

Pictured: Mayor Bob Pynsent
Image supplied.

73 new COVID-19 cases across Hunter New England

BY JARROD MELMETH

73 new COVID-19 cases have been detected across the Hunter New England Health district. 

There are currently 829 active cases across the region, of which 16 are being cared for in hospital, including three in intensive care.

50 of Friday's cases are linked to existing cases, while 48 were infectious in the community.

CASE BREAKDOWN

MOREE PLAINS - 15

Moree 12, Boggabilla 1, Garah 1, Pallamallawa 1.

NEWCASTLE - 15

Shortland 4, North Lambton 2, Birmingham Gardens 2, Fletcher 2, Mayfield 2, Adamstown 1, Hamilton 1, New Lambton 1.

MID COAST - 14

Taree 8, Tuncurry 3, Purfleet 2, Tea Gardens 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 7

Windale 3, Belmont North 1, Fassifern 1 Jewells 1, Speers Point.

TAMWORTH - 6

West Tamworth 4, Tamworth 1, South Tamworth 1.

CESSNOCK - 6

Cessnock 3, Rothbury 2, Bellbird 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 4

Raymond Terrace 2, Nelson Bay 1, Tomago 1.

INVERELL - 3

Tingha 2, Inverell 1.

ARMIDALE - 1

Armidale 1.

MAITLAND - 1

Rutherford 1

DUNGOG - 1

Darlington 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 249 new local cases and three deaths

285 people are in hospital with the virus, including 61 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 89.1 per cent double dose and 93.8 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no exposure sites to report.

103 COVID-19 cases recorded across the local health district, as authorities raise concerns about Moree gatherings

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter New England Health district has recorded 103 new COVID-19 cases.

A large chunk of the new infections are from the Moree Plains, MidCoast and Port Stephens local government areas.

Health authorities have issued close contact alerts for two events in Moree last week, which they hold concerns about.

Across the district there are 904 active cases, of which 14 are in hospital, including four in intensive care.

CASE BREAKDOWN

MOREE PLAINS - 33

Moree 30, Boggabilla 2, Mungindi 1.

MID COAST - 16

Taree 6, Tuncurry 6, Harrington 2, Old Bar 1, Tea Gardens 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 11

Anna Bay 5, Raymond Terrace 4, Boat Harbour 1, Medowie 1.

TAMWORTH - 9

Oxley Vale 3, Tamworth 2, West Tamworth 2, Hillvue 1, Moonbi 1.

CESSNOCK - 9

Cessnock 4, North Rothbury 2, Abermain 1, Heddon Greta, Weston 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 9

Windale 3, Belmont North 1, Buttaba 1, Mount Hutton 1, West Wallsend 1, Whitebridge 1, Freemans Waterhole 1.

INVERELL - 7

Inverell 4, Tingha 3.

NEWCASTLE - 4

Adamstown Heights 1, Hamilton South 1, North Lambton 1, Wallsend 1.

ARMIDALE - 2

Armidale 2.

MAITLAND - 2

Gillieston Heights 1.

DUNGOG - 1

Clarence Town 1.

STATEWIDE

There has been a jump in COVID cases across the state with 308 new infections and four deaths.

302 people are in hospital with the virus, including 64 in intensive care.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 88.7 per cent double dose and 93.7 per cent single dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

• Anyone who attended evening house parties on Adelaide Street or Barwon Avenue in Moree on Thursday 28 October is a close contact.
• Anyone who attended a celebration at the Aero Club in Moree on Saturday 30 October is also a close contact.

35 new cases of COVID-19 in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

35 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the Hunter, bringing the regions total to 3,179 since August 5.

There are currently 778 active cases in the region, of which 14 are in hospital, including three intensive care.

Hunter New England Health have announced the death of  Hunter man from Tuesday's reporting period. The man in his 60s died in the John Hunter Hospital, was partially vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. His death was announced by NSW Health on Tuesday.

CASE BREAKDOWN

NEWCASTLE - 7

Maryland 3, Broadmeadow 1, Hamilton South 1, Jesmond 1, Mayfield 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 6

Raymond Terrace 3, Medowie 1, Nelson Bay 1, Tomago 1.

CESSNOCK - 6

Weston 3, Ellalong 2, Kurri Kurri 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 4

Brightwaters 2, Warners Bay 1, Windale 1.

MID COAST - 4

Taree 3, Tuncurry 1.

TAMWORTH - 2

Tamworth 2.

MAITLAND - 2

Pokolbin 1, Telarah 1.

DUNGOG - 1

Martins Creek 1.

INVERELL - 1

Inverell 1.

MOREE PLAINS - 1

Moree 1.

SINGLETON - 1

Singleton 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 190 new local cases and four deaths. 

309 people are in hospital with the virus, including four in intensive care.

93.6 per cent of the eligible adult population have now had one dose of a vaccine, while 88.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no exposure sites to report.

Federal Government provides cash for new Raymond Terrace playground

BY JARROD MELMETH

A new playground will be constructed at Raymond Terrace thanks to funding from the federal government.

$280,000 will be spent on the new playground and accessible public amenities at Bettles Park at the southern gateway to Raymond Terrace.

Port Stephens Council is undertaking the works which will also include new pathways, seating and shade.

Mayor Ryan Palmer says the playgrounds design has been decided by the community and extensive engagement based on the NSW Government's 'Everyone Can Play' guidelines.

“We heard our community wanted a playground to suit a range of ages and abilities. This will help improve accessibility and inclusivity for young families in Raymond Terrace and surrounding areas. 

“Bettles Park is a highly visible reserve at the southern gateway to Raymond Terrace. It was once a very popular highway stop before Raymond Terrace was bypassed and used to house the Sabre Jet, which is now on display nearby at Fighter World.

“I hope these improvements to Bettles Park with new play infrastructure and accessible public amenities will continue to support residents and visitors into the future," Cr Palmer said.

Pictured: Artist impression of the playground.
Image: Supplied.

64 new COVID-19 cases in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded another spike in case numbers with 64 announced on Tuesday.

There are currently 791 active cases across the region, with 18 in hospital, including four in intensive care.

CASE BREAKDOWN

LAKE MACQUARIE - 17

Jewells 3, Charlestown 2, Toronto 2, Belmont North 1, Cardiff South 1, Caves Beach 1, Cooranbong 1, Gateshead 1, Morisset 1, Swansea 1, Wangi Wangi 1, Whitebridge 1, Windale 1.

NEWCASTLE - 13

Maryland 5, Fletcher 4, Mayfield 2, Adamstown 1, Hamilton 1.

MID COAST - 12

Taree 10, Forster 1, Tuncurry 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 8

Raymond Terrace 3, Anna Bay 2, Mallabula 1, Medowie 1, Nelson Bay 1.

CESSNOCK - 5

Cessnock 3, Kurri Kurri 1, Weston 1.

MAITLAND - 5

Rutherford 2, Gillieston Heights 1, Morpeth 1, South Maitland 1.

TAMWORTH - 3

South Tamworth 2, Tamworth 1.

MOREE PLAINS - 1

Moree 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 173 new local cases and four deaths across the state.

The statewide vaccination rate is currently at 93.6 per cent single dose and 87.8 per cent double dose.

333 people are in hospital with the virus, including 72 in intensive care.

EXPOSURE SITES

Two exposure sites have been listed by Hunter New England Health overnight at Kurri Kurri and Boolaroo.

• Kurri Kurri Medical Centre on Tuesday 26 October between 4:35pm - 5:50pm
• Boolaroo Medical Practice on Thursday 28 October between 10:30am - 11:15am

Regional Travel Opens to Greater Sydney

BY SIOBHAN HARVEY 

Hunter residents and their families can now travel between Sydney and the region, including the Central Coast. 

It follows months of uncertainty regarding travel rules with some parts of the Hunter being divided.

From today fully vaccinated people can travel in and out of regional NSW without have to quarantine, hospitality venues can operate at full capacity and international travel opens to returning residents. 

This comes as a result of the state reaching its November 1 roadmap milestone. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet has hailed it "a testament to the efforts and sacrifices that people have made" as the state begins to reopen. 

"Today is a day many people have been waiting for and our high vaccination rates have allowed us to re-open in a safe and considered way" Mr Perrottet said. 

"Families and friends across NSW can now get together as well as look forward to welcoming back  Australians who have been overseas trying to get home." 

After a number of closures, job losses and uncertainty, the easing of travel restrictions between Regional NSW and Sydney will boost regional tourism. 

"Today is great day for regional NSW. I know Sydneysiders are busting to head to the bush and we can't wait to welcome them back with open arms and for families and friends to get the chance to reunite," said Deputy Premier Paul Toole.

With the ease of restrictions NSW residents across the state will still need to comply with COVID-safe check-ins and provide proof of vaccination to staff in most settings. 

Photo: Daily Telegraph 

Hunter records 30 new COVID-19 infections

BY JARROD MELMETH

30 new COVID-19 infections have been recorded across the Hunter.

There are currently 835 active cases in the region. 23 of those are being cared for in hospital, including three in intensive care.

20 of Monday's cases were infectious in the community, while 7 are linked to existing cases.

3,080 cases have been detected in the Hunter New England Health district since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

NEWCASTLE - 9

Carrington 5, Fletcher 1, Hamilton South 1, Jesmond 1, Mayfield 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 8

Tingira Heights 2, Warners Bay 2, Belmont North 1, Charlestown 1, Cooranbong 1, Morisset.

CESSNOCK - 4

Cessnock 2, Bellbird Heights 1, Kearsley 1.

MID COAST - 4

Taree 2, Forster 1, Tea Gardens 1.

MAITLAND - 2

Luskintyre 1, Chisholm 1.

DUNGOG - 1

Hilldale 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 1

Raymond Terrace 1.

TAMWORTH - 1

Calala 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded another drop in daily case numbers with 135 new infections and four deaths.

The statewide vaccination rates are currently at 93.6 per cent single dose and 87.7 per cent double dose.

There are 349 people in hospital with the virus, including 77 in ICU.

EXPOSURE SITES

One exposure site has been listed by Hunter New England Health overnight at Mount Hutton.

• Mount Hutton Medical Practice on Tuesday 26 October between 12pm - 1pm

Hunter Water's Rated Highly in State of the Beaches Report

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Hunter residents can be confident heading into summer, following the release of the 2020-21 State of the Beaches report. 

The report was released by the NSW Government on Sunday and provides an overview of the water quality at 210 swimming locations monitored under the Beachwatch and Beachwatch partnership programs across the state. 

This year’s report saw one hundred per cent of beaches in the Hunter region graded as either “Good” or “Very Good”, indicating a four per cent improvement on last year’s results. 

The grade systems provide an assessment of the suitability of each swimming location for recreational purposes and are based on a combination of sanitary inspections and microbial assessments. 

The “Very Good” rating is reserved for locations with excellent water quality and limited signs of pollution. Water in these locations is considered suitable for swimming almost all of the time. Ocean beaches rated as “Good” have generally good water quality but should be avoided for up to one day following heavy rainfall. 

Environment Minister Matt Kean was pleased to see such good results across the state, with 179 of 210 locations in NSW given the top two grades. 

“This is a good result given the wet weather conditions experienced in many coastal areas, including the wettest summer in NSW since 2012,” Mr Kean said. 

“As we head into the summer swimming season, I encourage everyone to not only Slip, Slop, Slap and swim between the flags, but to be COVID-safe on our beaches this summer.”

Image: ABC News

Man in 40s dies with COVID-19, as the Hunter records 73 new cases

 BY JARROD MELMETH

A man in his 40s is the Hunter's latest fatality with COVID-19, as the region records 73 new cases.

He was being cared for in the John Hunter Hospital, was partially vaccinated and had underlying health issues.

CASE BREAKDOWN

LAKE MACQUARIE - 19

Cameron Park 5, Cardiff 3, Jewells 3, Swansea 2, Toronto 2, Windale 1, Teralba 1, Killingworth 1, Gateshead 1.

MID COAST - 14

Taree 11, Forster 1, Nabiac 1, Tuncurry 1.

TAMWORTH - 9

Tamworth 3, South Tamworth 4, West Tamworth 1, Oxley Vale 1.

CESSNOCK - 8

Kurri Kurri 3, Cessnock 2, Ellalong 1, Weston 1, Heddon Greta 1.

MAITLAND - 6

Maitland 1, East Maitland 1, Gillieston Heights 1, Metford 1, Rutherford 1, Tenambit 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 6

Raymond Terrace 3,  Soldiers Point 1, Nelson Bay 1, Karuah 1.

NEWCASTLE - 

Carrington 2, Mayfield 2, Wallsend 1.

ARMIDALE - 3

Armidale 3.

SINGLETON - 2

Singleton 1, St Clair 1.

INVERELL - 1

Tingha 1.

STATEWIDE

NSW has recorded 236 new local cases and three deaths in the latest reporting period.

The states vaccination rates are currently at 93.5 per cent single dose and 87 per cent double dose.

There are 343 people being cared for in hospital, including 81 in intensive care.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no exposure sites to report.