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 

Greater Sydney travel to the regions pushed back to next month

BY JARROD MELMETH

Sydney residents, including the Central Coast, now won't be able to travel to regional areas, including the Hunter until November 1.

Officials met on Thursday to discuss whether regional trips should be delayed due to concerns about lower vaccination rates in some areas.

Port Stephens and Upper Hunter Shire are the only local government areas across the Hunter which have passed 70 per cent double dose vaccinations. Cessnock is currently at 58.4 per cent, while Muswellbrook is at 56.5 per cent fully vaccinated. Byron Bay has the lowest vaccination rates in the state, currently sitting at 47.1 per cent. 

Travel to the regions was due to be included in the freedoms unlocked at 80 per cent fully vaccinated, a target which could be met this weekend.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole is defending the delay, saying he understands the frustrations but there's a responsibility to keep the regions safe.

"We've still got very low vaccination rates. I've got some communities that have only got 47 per cent and I've got some areas that are only just into their early 50's.

"I'm sorry for all those people that have got their bags packed that want to go into regional communities. We want to welcome you back and I know that we want to get our communities buzzing and humming again," Mr Toole said.

State hospitality rescue package given the tick of approval by Business Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter residents are set to receive two more Dine and Discover vouchers in time for Summer.

The $250 million dollar announcement, as part of a hospitality rescue package, from the state government is expected to inject $500 million back into the economy.

Hospitality businesses will also have the chance to apply for $5,000 grants to establish outdoor dining and entertainment precincts as part of a $66 million Alfresco Restart initiative. These grants will be available to 5,000 businesses and will be offered on first in, first served basis.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean says the program will allow businesses to open up to more customers in a safe way.

"Alfresco dining is not only a great way to dine, it’s a safe way to socialise as we open up. That’s why we are supporting new outdoor entertainment and dining precincts to pop up right across the state," Mr Kean said.

The move is being welcomed by the Business Hunter who agree the initiative will support businesses through the warmer months.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says the programs will have substantial flow on effects for business and the economy.

"The hospitality and entertainment sectors have suffered immensely over the past two years, and this support will encourage people to get out and about during the Summer months and enjoy what their local venues and businesses have to offer.

"Businesses are enthusiastic about the coming months as people return to their favourite cafes and restaurants, and this support will help a number of smaller businesses get back on their feet and boost employment opportunities," Mr Hawes said.

Muswellbrook woman issued $5000 fine for breaching Health Orders

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter Valley Police District has put a call out to the community urging them to stay the course and continue complying with the Public Health Orders.

It follows police issuing a $5000 infringement notice to a Muswellbrook woman who was found not isolating at home as directed.

The 30-year-old told officers, who were conducting welfare and compliance checks, she was not at home due to being out exercising.

Police are urging the community to stay at home if you've been directed to self-isolate.

Hunter students to return to the classroom a week earlier

BY JARROD MELMETH

The state government has announced Hunter students will return to the classroom a week earlier, thanks to the state wide vaccination rollout.

A staggered return will still take place on the following dates.

• October 18: Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12
• October 25: Year 2, 6 and 11
• November 1: Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

The bringing forward of the return to school plan comes as the Teacher's Federation voices its concerns that schools aren't ready to open. This move has angered many parents who say there has been ample time.

When the original return to school plan was announced, teachers were given until November 8 to receive both doses of a COVID vaccine, this requirement remains and will not be brought forward along with the return date.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the return to school plan was always linked to the vaccination rates of the community, and thanks to faster vaccination rates than expected, students will be able to return to the classroom sooner.

“We have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated, and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected.

“Managing a return in a school system the size of NSW’s is not a small task. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated," Ms Berejiklian said.

Schools are expected to announce their COVID safe plans to families from next week.

Areas of the Hunter where stay-at-home orders have been lifted including in Singleton, Upper Hunter and Dungog will continue learning face-to-face from Day 1, Term 4.

Doughnut day for the Hunter, regional lockdown extended

BY JARROD MELMETH

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.

Another record day for the state, as Hunter records four new cases of COVID-19

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded four new cases of COVID-19 as the state hits another record high of 919.

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Port Stephens recorded one case each. 

Broken down by suburb, Wallsend, Windale, North Rothbury and Raymond Terrace each recorded one case.

All of the new cases are linked to existing ones, while one was infectious while in the community.

Hunter New England health says there are 31 people in hospital, none requiring ICU. 714 close contacts are also in isolation in the region.

Overnight, an apartment complex in Windale was thrown into lockdown after a resident tested positive to COVID-19. 

Hunter New England Health says the person was living at the apartment block located at 17-19 James Street, Windale. The confirmed cases has since been moved to off-site isolation.

All residents have been tested and are in isolation awaiting the results. Anyone who visited the apartment complex from the evening of Friday, 20 August to the morning of Tuesday 24 August, must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. 

Chief Health Officer urging Hunter residents to "stay the course" as region records one new COVID-19 case

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded just one case of COVID-19 bringing the regions outbreak to 164 since August 5.

The new case is in Jesmond and is linked to the Jesmond Grove aged care facility. The person was not infectious in the community. 

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says she is pleased to see the numbers in the Hunter remaining stable and is urging residents to stay the course.

State wide, NSW recorded 753 cases. 

While the numbers are remaining stable, Deputy Premier John Barilaro hinted on Monday that it was unlikely the Hunter would come out of lockdown at weeks end as there are concerns about the Costco Boolaroo COVID exposure site.

To date, over 700 people have been identified as close or casual contacts, while the number of cases has grown to six, which includes some who reside in Sydney. Hunter New England Health says there is a strong likelihood of more cases.

Hunter New England Health is urging anyone who attended the Costco fuel station and the external membership office from Monday 16 - Friday 20 August at any time to get tested for COVID-19 immediately. This request is also asking any casual contacts who have been identified to have an additional test.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim says the Costco site has caused health authorities a lot of trouble over the weekend.

"This is clearly a high transmission setting, a cool indoor environment that was crowded and unfortunately with multiple people from Greater Sydney.

"One of the people who came up from south east Sydney area brought the virus with them and this is really a disturbing and worrying trend where we get introductions from Sydney despite every effort the local community, local community leaders, the public health team and police are making to keep the virus away.

"We are getting repeated introductions from Sydney, this needs to stop. We need to take action to make sure that no one travels up the M1 and we use local employees for our businesses and employment," Dr Durrheim said.

Just one new exposure site was added overnight at East Maitland. Anyone who attended Your Discount Chemist at East Maitland on Thursday 12 August between 4:37pm - 5pm or Friday 13 August between 11:09am - 11:11am is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

For the full list of dates and times for any of the venues of concern, head to the NSW Health website.

Second Hunter man dies, as region records two new cases

BY JARROD MELMETH

A man in his 80's has died at John Hunter Hospital, as a result of acquiring COVID-19 at the Hawkins Masonic Village at Edgeworth. It's the second death since the local outbreak began, both are related to the Edgeworth nursing home.

Dr Marianne Gale from NSW Health says while the man had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, he also had some serious underlying medical conditions.

 

Two new cases were recorded in the Hunter, one in East Branxton and one in Toronto. All of the new cases are linked to existing ones, while the Toronto case was infectious in the community.

It brings the local outbreak to 163, since August 5.

Statewide, NSW recorded 818 cases and three more deaths. One was the Hunter man in his 80s, the second a woman in her 80s from south west Sydney and another man in his 80s also from south west Sydney.

Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Worboys says in the past 24 hours 590 Penalty Infringement Notices were issued, including at a church service at Blacktown where police found 60 worshippers from a number of local government areas of concern.

A number of new exposure sites have been added overnight including at Cardiff and Glendale.

Anyone who attended the following venues on the specified dates and times are considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Woolworths, Cardiff on Tuesday 17 August between 5:06pm - 5:22pm
• Woolworths, Glendale on Thursday 19 August between 10:07am - 10:13am
• Coles, Stockland Glendale on Wednesday 18 August between 8:12am - 8:19am

Pictured: Honeysuckle testing clinic.
Image: 2NURFM

Seven Hunter COVID-19 cases as NSW sets another daily case record

BY JARROD MELMETH

UPDATE 1PM:

Hunter New England have upgraded the Costco Boolaroo site to a close contact one.

Anyone who attended the Costco Warehouse from 16 August - 20 August is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days.

Anyone who attended the Costco petrol station and membership office, anytime from 16 August - 20 August is a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. 

It comes after a worker from Sydney worked at the site while unknowingly infectious, to date more than 400 people have been identified as contacts and forced into isolation.

EARLIER:

The Hunter has recorded seven new cases of COVID-19, bringing the regions total to 161 cases since the local outbreak began on August 5.

Of the seven local cases, two are in Jesmond, one in Islington, two in Edgeworth and two in Branxton.

Three of the new cases in Jesmond and Islington were infectious while in the community, while all are linked to existing cases.

State wide, NSW recorded another record day with 830 cases. Three more deaths were also recorded. One man in his 60's from south western Sydney, a woman in her 80's also from south western Sydney, and another man in his 70's from south eastern Sydney.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazard praised the states vaccination rates with almost 58 per cent of residents having had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. It brings the states vaccination numbers in line with some of the highest in the world right now.

On Saturday, about a dozen people marched from Nobbys Beach towards Merewether protesting the lockdown as well as the vaccine. The march took a turn at King Edward Park where a woman wearing a 'no poison in my body' t-shirt was spoken to by police. The woman ran from the officers before she was tackled to the ground by an officer subsequently being taken away by ambulance. 

Another woman was also taken away in a police paddy wagon following a verbal altercation with police.

Over 900 Penalty Infringement Notices were issued in the past 24 hours most of which were to people protesting in Sydney's CBD.

A Lake Macquarie woman who was meant to be isolating was issued a $5,000 PIN after being found at a premises in Kurri Kurri.

A number of exposure sites have been added overnight including in Wallsend, Elemore Vale, Boolaroo, Hamilton and Cardiff.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Costco petrol station and membership office, Boolaroo (updated times) anytime between Monday 16 August - Friday 20 August
• Hotel Elemore Vale Bottle Shop on Friday 13 August between 7pm - 7:10pm
• BWS, Wallsend on Saturday 14 August between 4:23pm - 4:29pm
• Aldi, Hamilton on Friday 20 August between 1pm - 1:25pm
• BWS, Cardiff Marketplace on Tuesday 17 August between 5:20pm - 5:26pm

For the full list of dates and times for any of the venues of concern, head to the NSW Health website.

One COVID-19 case recorded in the Hunter, as the state hits record high

BY JARROD MELMETH 

The Hunter has recorded just one new case of COVID-19, bringing the regions total to 154 cases since August 5.

The new case is in Jesmond, was not infectious while in the community and is linked to an existing case. 

As local daily case numbers continue to fall, Hunter New England Health is urging Hunter residents to not become complacent and continue to come forward for testing. The health district says numbers have dropped by 60 per cent, from over 16,000 tests a day to around 7,500. 

Statewide, NSW recorded another record number of cases with 825. Its the highest daily case number recorded in Australia, surpassing Victorias second wave record of 723 on July , 2020. 

Meanwhile, Lake Macqaurie MP Greg Piper says Costco has announced it is delaying the opening of its Boolaroo store, which was due to be on August 26.

It comes as news of a worker from Sydney who worked at the Costco Boolaroo site tested positive to COVID-19 sending over 300 people into isolation.

New exposure sites at a number of venues across the Hunter have been added including at Newcastle and Glendale.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Chemist Warehouse, Newcastle on Wednesday 18 August between 5:27pm -5:37pm
• Soul Origin, Stockland Glendale on Tuesday 17 August between 1:35pm - 1:40pm

For the full list of dates and times for any of the venues of concern, head to the NSW Health website.

Hunter on the right track as three COVID-19 cases recorded

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded three new cases of COVID-19, the regions lowest daily case number since the local outbreak began on August 5.

Of the new cases two were recorded in the Newcastle, while one was recorded in Maitland. All three cases are linked to existing cases and none were infectious while in the community.

31 of the regions 153 cases are in hospital but none of them are requiring ICU.

Across the state 642 cases were recorded along with four deaths. Concerningly, 508 cases are under investigation.

The Premier announced that Sydney would remain in lockdown for another four weeks and has issued a curfew for LGA's of concern.

An outdoor mask mandate, for all of NSW is being introduced from Monday 23 August requiring masks to be worn outdoors except when exercising.

A number of exposure venues have been listed across the Hunter overnight including in Raymond Terrace, Boolaroo, Wallsend, Thornton, Greenhills and Mayfield.

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

• Blooms the Chemist, Raymond Terrace Marketplace on Saturday 14 August between 12:30pm - 12:40pm
• Bunnings, Boolaroo on Saturday 14 August between 5:09pm - 5:39pm & Sunday 15 August between 2:52pm - 3pm
• Bunnings Wallsend on Sunday 15 August between 2:26pm - 2:30pm
• Terry White Chemist, Raymond Terrace Central Plaza on Sunday 15 August between 10am - 10:10am
• Tenambit Newsagency and LPO on Wednesday 11 August between 2:10pm - 2:15pm
• Phoenix House Chinese, Thornton Shopping Centre on Wednesday 11 August between 11:55am - 12:15pm
• Coles, Wallsend on Monday 9 August between 7:31pm - 737pm, Friday 13 August between 12:32pm - 12:50pm & Sunday 15 August 7:20pm - 7:30pm
• Big W, Stockland Greenhills on Thursday 12 August between 3:46pm - 4:10pm
• Woolworths, Raymond Terrace Central Plaza on Sunday 15 August from 10am - 10:05am
• Woolworths, Mayfield on Wednesday 11 August from 8:46am - 8:58am
• Coles, Thornton on Wednesday 11 August from 12:06pm - 12:14pm

Police charge the two women at the centre of the Hunters COVID-19 outbreak

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police have charged two women who are at the centre of the Hunter COVID outbreak for breaching Public Health Orders.

Police say a 21 and 20-year-old will face court next month for failing to comply with multiple directives from police to return to Sydney.

It's alleged the older woman was first told by police to return to Sydney onboard a northbound train to Newcastle on Thursday 29 July, where she allegedly told police she had fallen asleep and intended to return. Police issued the woman with a warning that she was in breach of the Public Health Order and was directed to return to Sydney.

The following night, police were called to an address on Sandgate Road at Shortland, doe an unrelated matter. Here Officers spoke to two women -aged 20 and 21. Police requested their proof of identification, which showed the two women were from Sydney's West.

Both women were issued with $1000 PINs for breaching the Public Health Order and directed to return to Sydney, indicating they would comply. However, investigations have revealed they allegedly failed to leave the area.

Further inquiries revealed the 20-year-old woman travelled to the Newcastle from Sydney on Tuesday 27 July, before both women allegedly attended several other locations whilst infectious with COVID-19 in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Since the pairs visit to the Hunter, almost 100 exposure sites across schools, shopping centres, nightclubs, restaurants, cafes and aged care facilities have been announced across the region.

To date, 82 cases of COVID have been recorded in the past week, with one death in an aged care facility.

Following extensive inquiries, officers from South Sydney and Mt Druitt Police Area Commands issued Future Court Attendance Notices to two women – aged 20 and 21 – for the offence of fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – individual.

The younger woman is due to attend Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 29 September 2021, while the older woman is due to appear at Hornsby Local Court on the same date.

Investigations are ongoing into further alleged breaches. 

Business Hunter calling on the NSW Government to provide certainty to businesses

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunters peak business group is calling on the NSW Government to provide certainty to Hunter residents around whether restrictions will extend past Thursday.

On Wednesday the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told journalists it's not likely the Hunter will come out of lockdown on Thursday.

Business Hunter says by not providing the region with clarity on the lockdown, businesses are less able to focus their concerns on things they can control and will now have growing anxiety over issues that they can't control.

CEO Bob Hawes says business are hurting and they need certainty.

"Business wants to be able submit orders, renew staff rosters, pivot the business to the restrictions; and making decisions that will keep their business afloat. 

"They can’t do this under the cloud of ‘what will the advice tell us’; when will things return to normal and at what increment; what the vaccination uptake is and how to protect their businesses from a lack of compliance by individuals still breaching orders. 

“People breaking the rules need to be acutely aware that their actions pose unnecessary risk to businesses and communities and the consequences should be absolutely clear. 

“I don’t see any issue with places of business reporting breaches in movement in our regions because some people are putting our community at risk," Mr Hawes said.

The Hunter recorded 14 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday with three cases under investigation by health authorities

The Hunters accommodation and tourism services, entertainment and arts sectors have been decimated by the restrictions. On Wednesday, it was announced the New Annual Festival in Newcastle is being postponed to 2022 due to the ongoing uncertainty around COVID restrictions. The event was set to include 500 artists, 250 event crew and 30 ticketed events. It's another blow to an industry already suffering.

Image: Forbes

Hunter COVID restrictions extended for another two weeks

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.