Newcastle clinical trial first of its kind

BY JARROD MELMETH

A clinical trial into a combined COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination is currently underway in Newcastle.

The trial is being conducted by a team at the AIM Centre in Merewether and is testing the safety and immune response to the combination vaccine.

Currently the two vaccines are required to be taken at least two weeks apart.

The team are looking for healthy local adult volunteers aged between 50 and 70 years old, who have either received both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine or were previously infected with COVID-19 prior to July 30. Eligible participants will be compensated for their time and effort. 

Co-Investigator Dr Sergio Diez Alvarez says the study is the first of its kind.

"That's what is so innovative about this trial, these two vaccines have not been combined in the past and we believe that this is going to be a very important step forward in trying to optimise vaccination strategies in the future.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Newcastle. It is cutting edge research in a field that is incredibly important for our wellbeing and the safety of our population and we are so excited to take part in this study," Dr Diez Alvarez said.

Participants will take part in the trial for around six months, where they will visit the AIM Centre about eight times. There are no placebos in the trial which means all participants will receive the investigational vaccine. 

Dr Diez Alvarez says the reason there is no placebo is so they can ascertain how the different doses of the vaccine affects the immune system. 

"This is done in the context of getting the best possible outcome for the very widely discussed aspect of booster vaccinations going forward into the next phase," Dr Diez Alvarez

Anyone who would like to take part can visit the AIM Centre website, or call the centre on 4963 2323.

Three new Hunter COVID-19 cases, as state hits record number of vaccines and cases

BY JARROD MELMETH 

The Hunter has recorded three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the regions total to 173 since August 5.

Of the three new local cases, two are in Thornton, one in North Lambton. The two Thornton cases were infectious within the community.

Concerningly, eight people are in hospital, with one person now in ICU.

Statewide, NSW recorded another record daily number of cases with 1035 recorded to 8pm Friday night. 

In some positive news, the state recorded its highest number of vaccines administered in a single day with 156,165 people rolling their sleeves up on Friday.

In response to the Windale resident who tested positive to COVID-19 which sent an apartment complex into lockdown, Hunter New England Health have set up a pop up testing clinic.

The clinic is a walk-in service and will be open from 8am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday at The Purple House at the corner of South and Lake Streets, Windale. 

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. 

Windale apartment complex locked down after occupant tests positive to COVID-19

BY JARROD MELMETH 

Residents of a Windale apartment complex have been forced into isolation after an occupant tested positive to COVID-19.

Hunter New England Health says the confirmed case is now in isolation off-site and testing has been arranged for affected residents who are now in isolation while they await the results.

The health district is urging anyone who visited the apartment complex from the evening of Friday 20 August to the morning of Tuesday 24 August to immediately isolate and get tested.

Health authorities are working with police, and building management to implement health and safety measures.

If residents are required to isolate for 14-day quarantine period, food and other services including daily welfare checks will be provided to the residents. 

Hunter New England Health is reminding residents and visitors of apartment complexes to wear a face mask in any shared areas including lifts, stairwells and corridors. 

Pictured: The apartment complex now in lockdown
Image: Google Maps

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.

Costco worker tests positive to COVID-19

BY JARROD MELMETH

UPDATE:

Hunter New England have clarified the Sydney person was not a worker on the construction site, rather a Costco employee from Sydney who worked in the membership office.

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper says Costco has announced it is delaying its opening which was due to be on August 26.

300 people are now isolating as close contacts of the person.

EARLIER:

A Sydney construction worker who worked on the construction site of Costco at Boolaroo has tested positive to COVID-19.

Hunter New England Health have issued an alert regarding the work on Friday asking anyone who worked on the site since Monday 16 August get tested and isolate immediately. 

Another area of concern is the Costco petrol station and membership office also at Boolaroo between Monday 16 August and Thursday 19 August. Anyone who was at either venue at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Over 300 contacts to date have been identified and are being contacted for testing and isolation requirements.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim says he wants employers to think about their workforces.

"We really at this stage think that people, employers need to think very carefully about the origins of their workforce. We cannot have more and more cases being imported into the Hunter from Sydney by employers," Dr Durrheim said.

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

Whole state to remain in lockdown as 681 COVID-19 cases recorded

BY JARROD MELMETH

As the statewide COVID-19 numbers continue to rise with 681 recorded on Thursday, the Hunter has recorded just five.

Of the five new local cases, all of them are in the Newcastle local government area. Three of the new cases were recorded in Jesmond and two in Elermore Vale.

The Premier has also announced regional and rural NSW will remain in lockdown until August 28, in line with Greater Sydney.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro says the extension of lockdown was agreed to at crisis cabinet meeting on Wednesday as a number of communities across regional NSW battle local outbreaks. 

New exposure sites have been listed overnight including at Raymond Terrace, Morpeth, Green Hills, Tenambit and East Maitland.

Anyone who visited the following sites is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Woolworths, Raymond Terrace Marketplace on Monday 9 August between 7:21am - 10:47am
• SPAR Express Supermarket, Morpeth on Wednesday 11 August between 7:14pm - 7:16pm, Thursday 12 August between 6:36pm - 6:41pm, Friday 13 August between 7:15pm - 7:17pm
• Coles, Stockland Green Hills on Wednesday 11 August between 1:12pm - 1:22pm, 1:30pm - 1:39pm & 5:20pm - 5:30pm
• Tenambit Pharmacy on Friday 13 August between 11:01am - 11:03am
• Foodworks, Tenambit on Wednesday 11 August between 2pm - 2:10pm
• Your Discount Chemist, East Maitland on Thursday 12 August between 4:37pm - 5pm & Friday 13 August between 11:09am - 11:11am

Pictured: COVID testing clinic at Wickham.
Image: 2NURFM

15 COVID cases recorded in the Hunter, as Cardiff apartment building sent into lockdown

BY JARROD MELMETH

15 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the Hunter, bringing the regions total to 145 since August 5.

Of the new cases ten were recorded in Newcastle, three in Lake Macquarie and two in Maitland. 

All of the new cases are linked to previous ones while seven were infectious in the community.

State wide, NSW recorded 633 cases, the highest daily record in the state since the pandemic began in 2020, surpassing the previous state record of 478 recorded on Sunday.

The cases come as dozens of residents at a Cardiff apartment tower face an anxious wait after three people with COVID-19 sent their building into lockdown.

Hunter New England Health confirmed members of the same family tested positive to the virus and have since been moved to a different location to isolate.

The remaining residents in the 30 unit complex on Sturt Road have all been tested and told to stay in their building until they receive their results.

In other news, The Australian Defence Force have been deployed to help Newcastle Police with COVID compliance and welfare operations.

50 ADF personnel have been deployed to the region to conduct compliance checks of stay-at-home and self isolation orders as well as welfare door knocks.

New exposure sites at East Maitland, Beresfield, Kotara, The Junction, Maitland, Jewells and Mount Hutton were added overnight.

Anyone who visited the following venue on the specified dates and times is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days.

• NewsXpress, East Maitland on Thursday 12 August between 6am - 11:10am

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

• The Steggles Shop, Beresfield on Thursday 12 August between 7:21am - 10:47am
• Reject Shop, Kotara Home Maker Centre on Saturday 7 August between 11:30am - 12pm
• Grill'd, The Junction on Sunday 8 August between 10:29am - 10:35am
• Reject Shop, High Street Maitland on Monday 9 August between 10:29am - 10:35am
• Coastal Electronic Repairs, Jewells on Wednesday 4 August from 10:45am - 11am
• Dunkley Dash Espresso Hut, Mount Hutton between 6:25am - 6:35am on Monday 2 August to Saturday 7 August. 

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

BREAKING! ADF to join Newcastle Police in COVID-19 compliance operation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Australian Defence Force personnel will join Newcastle Police officers from Wednesday as part of its COVID-19 welfare and compliance operations.

50 ADF personnel have been deployed to the region to conduct compliance checks of stay-at-home and self isolation orders as well as welfare doorknocks.

Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing says he welcomes the arrival of troops in regional towns.

“The NSW Police Force has a long history of co-operation with the ADF and they have provided vital assistance over the past 18 months.

“First and foremost, the troops are there to support the community alongside police. Among other tasks, you will see them delivering hampers and checking on the welfare of our most vulnerable people.

“I want to thank them for their help and again appeal to everyone across our regions to stay at home as much as possible – please do everything you can to help us stop the spread," DC Willing said.

Further deployments are expected by the end of the week.

Image: Sky News

Host of house party at the centre of Hunter COVID-19 outbreak charged

BY JARROD MELMETH

A man has been charged after allegedly hosting multiple gatherings at Shortland, in breach of the Public Health Orders.

It's believed the gathering is one of the parties attended by the two Sydney women who sparked the Hunters COVID-19 outbreak.

Police will alleged the 22-year-old man hosted a number of gatherings at the home on Sandgate Road on three separate nights from 28 - 30 July. He has since tested positive to COVID-19.

Three other people - two men aged 21 and 26, and a 20-year-old woman - were issued with $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices for attending the gatherings.

Police are continuing their investigations into the events to identify further guests.

The 22-year-old man will face court on Tuesday 28 September 2021.

10 cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

10 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded across the Hunter bringing the regions total to 130 since August 5. 

Across the Hunter five were recorded in Maitland, three in Lake Macquarie and two in Newcastle. 

Six of the new cases were infectious within the community. Nine are linked to existing cases, while one is under investigation.

A number of new exposure sites have been added by Hunter New England Health including in Waratah and Kotara.

Anyone who attended the following venues  is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate regardless of a negative result.

• Redeemed Christian Church of God at Waratah at any time between 30 July - 15 August
• Wests, New Lambton gaming area and bar on Wednesday 4 August between 7:30pm - 10pm

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

• Nutrition Warehouse, Kotara Home Maker Centre on Sunday 8 August between 11:15am and 11:30am

Greater Maitland put on high alert as the Hunter records 16 cases of COVID-19

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded 16 cases of COVID-19, bringing the region's total to 120

Statewide, NSW recorded 478 cases were recorded with at least 91 infectious while in the community. Seven people have sadly lost their lives in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Of the new cases six were infectious within the community. 13 are linked to previous cases while three are under investigation.

Eight cases were recorded in Maitland, five in Newcastle, two in Lake Macquarie and one in Port Stephens.

The numbers show a jump in the Maitland local government area which was expected. 

On Sunday, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said she was happy to see the Hunters cases stabalising but said she still had concerns about the Maitland local government area due to a number of new cases not included in Sundays numbers.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim revealed overnight, Greater Maitland, Williamtown, Raymond Terrace and Medowie are areas of major concern following sewerage surveillance in the area.

Dr Durrheim says the viral loads found in these areas was higher than anywhere else in the state and is also concerned about mystery cases in Maitland.

"Of five unlinked cases, to date in Hunter New England, three of them are in the Greater Maitland area and we know that there have been at least three important venues where there has been transmission of the virus, including the Christian School, the Sudania restaurant and Green Hills shopping centre, particularly the Guzman Y Gomez," Dr Durrheim said.  

A number of new exposure sites have been added overnight including at Cooks Hill, Maitland, Waratah, Bennetts Green, Branxton, Broadmeadow, Great, Maitland, Charlestown, Cameron Park, Hamilton, Jesmond and Mayfield.

Anyone who visited the following venues on the specified dates and times are considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days.

• Darby Raj, Cooks Hill on Wednesday 4 August between 7:13pm - 7:15pm
• Sudania Café and Restaurant on Saturday 31 July and Monday 2 August both between 8am - 2pm 

Anyone who visited the below venues is a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Bunnings Warehouse, Bennetts Green on Saturday 7 August between 12:41pm - 1:10pm & Sunday 8 August between 10:58am - 11:30am
• Coles, Branxton on Friday 6 August between 6:25pm - 6:35pm
• PETQuarters, Broadmeadow on Wednesday 4 August between 11:08am - 11:25am
• Gadget Mall, Charlestown Square on Wednesday 4 August between 1:04pm - 3:45pm
• Caltex Service Station, Greta on Saturday 7 August between 10:45am - 10:55am
• The Reject Shop, Maitland on Monday 2 August between 0:03am - 9:06am
• Star Nails, Cameron Park on Wednesday 4 August between 4:30pm - 5:30pm 
• Guzman Y Gomez, Hamilton on Monday 2 August between 3:10pm - 3:30pm
• BWS, Jesmond on Tuesday 3 August between 5:48pm - 5:58pm & Saturday 7 August between 12:45pm - 12:55pm
• Jesmond Fruit Barn on Saturday 7 August between 12:10pm - 12:20pm
• Chemist Warehouse, Mayfield on Saturday 7 August between 2:36pm - 2:40pm

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.

UPDATE! Hunter records 13 cases as NSW goes into lockdown

BY JARROD MELMETH

UPDATE 3PM:

Hunter New England Health has advised of an update to the regions daily case numbers. At 11am 16 cases were announced, two have since received negative second test results and one is not from the local health district. This brings the daily total to 13 new cases.

Of the new cases, four are in Lake Macquarie, seven in Maitland, one in Cessnock and one in Scone.

All of the new cases are linked to existing cases while three were infectious within the community, bringing the regions total to 95 cases since August 5.

The news comes as the Deputy Premier John Barilaro announces the whole of NSW will now be subject to stay at home orders from 5pm on Saturday.

The state-wide lockdown comes as a quiet a shock, due to the nature of the announcement. With only two hours to go until the lockdown is in force, there has been no official communication from Premier Gladys Berejiklian, only a series of tweets from coalition MP's.

Meanwhile, a number of new exposure sites have been added across the Hunter including in Jesmond, Rutherford, Green Hills and Kotara.

Anyone who was at the following venues at the dates and times is a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is recieved. Priceline at Jesmond was earlier listed as a close contact exposure site. It has since been downgraded by Hunter New England Health.

• Priceline Pharmacy, Jesmond on Wednesday 4 August between 11:50am - 12:55pm
• Sprouting Health Chiropractic, Rutherford on Saturday 7 between from 9:25am - 10:25am
• Guzman Y Gomez, Stockland Green Hills on Saturday 7 August between 2:30pm - 8:30pm, Sunday 8 August between 2:30pm - 8:30pm, Monday 9 August between 2:30pm - 8:30pm, Wednesday 11 August between 5pm - 8:30pm
• Pharmacy4Less, Kotara on Wednesday 4 August from 2:02pm - 2:15pm

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

EARLIER:

The Hunter has recorded 16 new cases of COVID-19, taking the regions total to 98. 

Concerningly, the state has had its worst day, with 466 new cases, of which at least 87 were infectious within the community.

The number of new cases in the Hunter is above the six recorded on Friday, but NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said along the way that she expects numbers to bounce around.

Of the new local cases, three were recorded in Lake Macquarie, two in Newcastle, eight in Maitland, one in Cessnock and two in Singleton.

The results of the around 700 tests conducted on students at the University of Newcastle have all come back negative, that's off the back of the five cases originally reported from the International House on-campus accomodation cluster.

Overnight, NSW Health released a number of new exposure venues at Jesmond, Broadmeadow and Waratah.

Anyone who was at Priceline Pharmacy at Jesmond on Wednesday 4 August between 12:50pm and 12:55pm is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of negative result.

Anyone who was at the Home Timber and Hardware at Broadmeadow on Wednesday 4 August between 11:25am and 12:10pm or the Redeem City of David Church at Waratah on Sunday 1 August between 10am and 2:30pm are considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until 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.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian also announced harsher penalties for anyone breaching the Public Health Orders including those who lie to contact tracers, checkpoints on roads, as well as 500 extra Australian Defence Force personnel will be deployed to ensure compliance with the orders. 

Anyone travelling to the regions from Greater Sydney will need a permit. The permit will come into effect from next Saturday. Police will e monitoring those coming into the regions making sure they are heading there for permitted reasons.

Police Commissioner Mick Fuller is calling it, Operation Stay at Home and says he is not apologetic about the strict restrictions and the strict enforcement.

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. 

One death, as Hunter records five new cases of COVID-19

BY JARROD MELMETH

A Hunter man has died overnight from COVID-19.

The man was in his 90's, fully vaccinated and in palliative care at the Masonic Village aged care facility at Edgeworth.

The news comes as the Hunter records five cases of COVID-19 bringing the regions total to 82 cases.

Of the five new local cases, one is linked to the Masonic Village facility in Lake Macquarie, one case was recorded in Maitland, one in Newcastle, one in Port Stephens and one in Armidale. 

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

On Friday morning it was confirmed two residents of Anglican Cares Jesmond Grove aged care facility tested positive to COVID-19 along with a staff member. It follows the revelation on Thursday that 12 residents at the Masonic Village aged care facility returned positive tests after a staff member worked will infectious. 

In terms of exposure sites, the region has its highest number of sites announced in a day.

This morning Hunter New England Health announced dozens of new casual exposure sites. Anyone who attended any of the following venues is required to get tested and isolate until a negative test result is received.

Woolworths, Maitland

• Thursday 5 August from 1:36pm - 2:14pm

Coles, Waratah

• Friday 6 August from 5:25pm - 5:45pm
• Sunday 8 August from 12:01pm - 12:35pm

Aldi, Kotara

• Sunday 8 August from 11:31am - 11:51am

Coles, The Junction

• Sunday 8 August from 12:53pm - 1pm

Big W, Jesmond

• Sunday 8 August from 4:15pm - 4:20pm

Woolworths, Jesmond

• Sunday 8 August from 4:22pm - 4:28pm

The Newcastle Hotel, Islington

• Sunday 1 August from 9:45pm - 11:30pm

Aldi, Edgeworth

• Saturday 7 August from 1:34pm - 1:40pm

Woolworths, Glendale

• Monday 9 August from 5:28pm - 5:32pm

Metro Petroleum, Tarro

• Monday 2 August from 6:30am - 6:35am

R-Harn Thai Eatery, Jesmond

• Monday 9 August from 5:35pm - 6pm

Blooms the Chemist, Stockland Green Hills

• Friday 6 August from 12:45pm - 1:06pm

Woolworths, Stockland Green Hills

• Friday 6 August from 1:06pm - 1:11pm

Coles, Stockland Green Hills

• Wednesday 4 August from 4:40pm - 5pm
• Friday 6 August from 1:15pm - 1:20pm

KFC, Stockland Green Hills

• Friday 6 August from 1:20pm - 1:30pm

McDonalds, Charlestown Square

• Thursday 5 August from 9am - 9:05am

Van Gool, Charlestown Square

• Thursday 5 August from 12pm - 12:10pm

City Beach, Stockland Green Hills

• Wednesday 4 August from 5pm - 5:15pm

Priceline, Stockland Green Hills

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Hunter lockdown extended as 24 cases of COVID-19 recorded

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.

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