In positive news for the region, the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) registered just one new locally-acquired case of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
That infection, as at 8pm last night, occurred in the Newcastle LGA, was in isolation throughout their infectious period and attached to an existing aged care cluster.
It comes as NSW reported a further 753 cases overnight.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said many areas were stabilising, including the Hunter.
“It’s great to see Newcastle is settling,” she stated.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their response, to the health advice, in that region.
“But, it’s incredibly important to stay the course.”
The state’s latest daily total is down on the past three days, which were all above 810.
Most new cases were in western and southwestern Sydney (516) while inner Sydney also delivered 73 fresh infections.
Of the new cases, 80% have an unknown isolation status and 82% remain are yet to be linked to a known cluster.
However, vaccination figures show NSW administered its six-millionth shot on Monday – a key figure that the Premier had sought to reach by 28 August.
“It is (an) amazing milestone. I’m deeply grateful,” Gladys Berejiklian said.
The two million fully-vaccinated NSW residents will have “at least one” freedom restored to them in late September.
“I look forward to making that announcement on Thursday or Friday this week as to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do from the month of September,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“So, thank you to everyone who stepped up and got the jab.”
Ms Berejiklian also promised to soon clarify whether school students would be able to return to classrooms in term four.
“It is important for us to minimise any risk when they go back to school… our health experts in particular are working (on) how the HSC can be done,” she said.
“We have provided certainty for parents in terms of September.
“Unfortunately we’ve said current conditions remain in place.”
Lockdown will remain in place until at least 28 August in regional NSW and at least 30 September in Sydney and surrounds.
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