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.

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.

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.

Two men charged in relation to shooting death of David King at Salt Ash

BY JARROD MELMETH

Two men have been arrested over the alleged shooting murder of David King in Salt Ash in August.

On Sunday 29 August, emergency services were called to Hideway Drive, where they found David King dead. What appeared to be a motor vehicle accident, soon appeared to be much more sinister, when paramedics discovered the 45-year-old had been fatally shot.

Port Stephens-Hunter Police established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident as well as what occurred after the alleged murder, when a burnt out white Santa Fe, believed to be linked, was located a short time later on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae.

Over the past week, police have released a number of CCTV images to the public for assistance in identifying the persons featured.

On Friday, a 27-year-old man was arrested after a vehicle stop by police in Wahroonga Street, Raymond Terrace about 11:30am. 

He was charged with murder, take/detain person in company with intention. to obtain advantage, damage property by fire and possess or use a prohibited weapon without a permit.

A short time later, a 39-year-old was arrested at Charlestown Square about 1:45pm.

He was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and accessory after the fact to kidnapping.

Both of the men were refused bail and will appear before Newcastle Local Court on Saturday.

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

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.

54 fresh COVID-19 cases in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

54 new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in the Hunter on Friday.

The local health district has topped the states case numbers again.

Of the 856 active cases in the region, there are 17 being cared for in hospital, including four in intensive care.

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

CASE BREAKDOWN

NEWCASTLE - 15

Hamilton South 4, Wallsend 3, Mayfield 2, New Lambton 2, Adamstown 1, Carrington 1, Islington 1, Merewether 1.

MID COAST - 10

Taree 5, Forster 2, Tuncurry 2, Tea Gardens.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 7

Jewells, Morisset 1, Mount Hutton 1, Redhead 1, Swansea 1, West Wallsend 1, Windale 1.

CESSNOCK - 6

Kearsley 2, Cessnock 1, Greta 1, Kurri Kurri 1, Neath 1.

TAMWORTH - 6

Tamworth 5, West Tamworth 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 4

Raymond Terrace 2, Anna Bay 1, Heatherbrae 1.

MAITLAND - 3

Bolwarra Heights 1, Chisholm 1, Rosebrook 1.

SINGLETON 2

Darlington 1, Hunterview 1.

ARMIDALE - 1

Armidale 1.

STATWIDE

NSW recorded 268 new local cases and two deaths statewide. 

The states vaccination rates are currently at 93.4 per cent single dose and 86.5 per cent double dose.

Across the state there are 363 people being cared for in hospital, including 80 in intensive care.

EXPOSURE SITES

Two exposure sites have been listed by health authorities overnight at Charlestown and Cessnock.

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.

• Cessnock Courthouse (public waiting areas) on Wednesday 20 October between 9am - 3:35pm
• Allan's Mens Hairdressing, Charlestown on Saturday 23 October between 9:55am - 10:15am

Hunter records another day of high COVID-19 cases, as active cases take a dive

BY JARROD MELMETH

It's another day of high COVID-19 case numbers for the Hunter with 79 announced on Thursday.

The Hunter New England Health District is the states largest source of COVID infections. In second is South Western Sydney with 51 new cases.

There are currently 838 active cases across the region, down from 1,010 on Wednesday. 21 of the active cases are being cared for in hospital, including four in intensive care.

Of Thursday's cases, 41 were infectious in the community, while 51 are linked to existing cases.

Health authorities say they're seeing  transmission occurring in indoor settings such as gyms and households, including in fully vaccinated people.

CASE BREAKDOWN

LAKE MACQUARIE - 18

Belmont North 3, Valentine 3, Toronto 2, Windale 1, Cameron Park 1, Cardiff 1, Morisset 1, Swansea 1, Tingara Heights 1, Warners Bay 1, Whitebridge 1, Gateshead 1.

NEWCASTLE - 17

Mayfield 3, North Lambton 3, Elermore Vale 2, Hamilton South 2, Carrington 1, Georgetown 1, Maryville 1, New Lambton 1, Newcastle East 1, The Hill 1, Wallsend 1.

TAMWORTH - 11

East Tamworth 4, South Tamworth 2, West Tamworth 2, Oxley Vale 1, Tamworth 1, Warral.

PORT STEPHENS - 8

Raymond Terrace 5, Mallabula 1, Soldiers Point 1, Tanilba Bay 1.

MAITLAND - 7

Woodberry 4, East Maitland 1, Maitland 1, Tenambit 1.

CESSNOCK - 6

Kurri Kurri 3, Cessnock 2, Aberdare 1.

MID COAST - 5

Chatham 2, Harrington 1, Old Bar 1, Taree 1.

DUNGOG - 2

Martins Creek 1, Clarencetown 1.

MOREE - 2

Moree 2.

ARMIDALE - 1

Armidale 1.

SINGLETON - 1

Hunterview 1.

TENTERFIELD - 1

Woodside 1.

STATWIDE

NSW has recorded 293 new cases and two deaths across the state.

Vaccination rates are currently at 93.3 per cent single dose and 86 per cent double dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no exposure sites to report

Almost one-third of states daily COVID-19 cases in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

83 new cases of COVID-19 have been announced for the Hunter today, making up almost one-third of the states cases.

There are currently 1,010 active cases across the region, of which 23 are in hospital, including five in intensive care.

Dr Marianne Gale from NSW Health says Raymond Terrace, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock Carrington and Mayfield are all among the suburbs with the highest case numbers in the state.

2,811 cases of COVID have been recorded since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

NEWCASTLE - 24

Carrington 7, Mayfield 6, Wallsend 4, Mayfield East 3, Adamstown Heights 1, Black Hill 1, Merewether 1, Waratah 1.

CESSNOCK - 20

Kurri Kurri 12, Cessnock 5, Weston 2, Bellbird Heights 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 11 

Raymond Terrace 10, Nelson 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 7

Cardiff South 1, Charlestown 1, Jewells 1, Macquarie Hills 1, Morisset 1, Toronto 1, Windale 1.

MAITLAND - 6

Rutherford 2, Ashtonfield 1, Morpeth 1, Windella 1, Woodberry 1.

TAMWORTH - 6

Tamworth 4, South Tamworth 1, West Tamworth 1.

MID COAST - 5

Taree 4, Forster 1.

DUNGOG - 3

Martins Creek 3.

ARMIDALE - 1

Armidale 1.

STATWIDE

NSW has recorded 304 new local COVID cases and three deaths.

The states vaccination rates are currently at 93.2 per cent single dose and 85.5 per cent double dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

There are no exposure sites to report.

49 new COVID-19 cases in the Hunter, as health authorities call out Kurri Kurri

BY JARROD MELMETH

49 new local COVID019 cases have been recorded across the Hunter, bringing the regions total since August 5 to 2,729.

There are currently 940 active cases across the region, of which 24 are in hospital, including six in intensive care.

Of Tuesday's 49 cases, 32 were infectious in the community, while 28 are linked to existing cases.

Dr Jeremy McAnulty from NSW Health is calling on residents in the Kurri Kurri area to come forward for testing due to a rise in cases.

CASE BREAKDOWN

NEWCASTLE - 12

Carrington 2, Hamilton South 2, Jesmond 2, Broadmeadow 1, Cooks Hill 1, Elermore Vale 1, Mayfield 1, Mayfield East 1, Mayfield West 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 8

Windale 3, Bolton Point 2, Belmont South 1, Cardiff 1, Cardiff South 1.

MAITLAND - 8

Thornton 3, Rutherford 2, Tenambit 2, Gillieston Heights 1.

CESSNOCK - 8

Kurri Kurri 5, Cessnock 2, Heddon Greta 1.

MID COAST - 6

Taree 3, Harrington 1, Tuncurry 1, Wingham 1.

PORT STEPHENS - 5

Raymond Terrace 4, Corlette 1.

DUNGOG - 2

Gresford 1, Clarencetown 1.

STATWIDE

NSW has recorded 282 new local COVID cases and one death in the latest reporting period to 8pm on Monday night.

The states COVID vaccination rates have surpassed 93 per cent single dose and 85 per cent double dose.

EXPOSURE SITES

Just one exposure site has been listed by health authorities overnight at Lambton.

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.

• Elder Street Practice, Lambton on Wednesday 20 October between 2:30pm - 2:50pm.

59 new COVID-19 cases in the Hunter, as the virus makes its way to Moree

BY JARROD MELMETH

59 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded across the Hunter New England Health district.

The virus has made its way across the local health district, from Lake Macquarie, to the Mid-Coast and all the way over to Moree.

Of Monday's fresh cases, 40 were infectious in the community, while 46 are linked to existing cases.

There are currently 924 active cases across the region, of which 27 are in hospital, including six in intensive care.

2,680 cases of COVID have been detected in the Hunter since August 5.

CASE BREAKDOWN

NEWCASTLE - 19

Elermore Vale 4, Maryland 3, Carrington 2, Jesmond 2, Mayfield 2, Hamilton South 1, Islington 1, Mayfield West 1, Merewether 1, The Hill 1, Tighes Hill 1.

LAKE MACQUARIE - 16

Bolton Point 5, Windale 3, Belmont South 1, Blacksmiths 1, Cardiff 1, Cardiff South 1, Carey Bay 1, Charlestown 1, Gateshead 1, Morisset 1.

CESSNOCK - 7

Mulbring 2, Cessnock 1, Cliftleigh 1, Kurri Kurri 1, Millfield 1, Weston 1,

PORT STEPHENS - 6

Raymond Terrace 5, Tomago 1.

MAITLAND - 4

Thornton 2, Gillieston Heights 1, Rutherford 1.

ARMIDALE - 2

Armidale 2.

MID COAST - 1

Harrington 1.

SINGLETON - 1

Singleton 1.

DUNGOG - 1

Clarence Town 1.

TAMWORTH - 1

Hilvue 1.

MOREE PLAINS - 1

Moree 1.

STATWIDE

NSW has recorded 294 new cases of COVID-19 and four deaths statewide.

The vaccination rates are showing no signs of slowing down with single doses surpassing 93 per cent and double doses almost at 85 per cent.

EXPOSURE SITES

Just one exposure site has been listed by health authorities overnight at Windale.

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.

• Windale Community Medical Centre on Wednesday 20 October between 4:10pm - 4:55pm