2NURFM

It's the second death since the local outbreak began, both are related to the Edgeworth nursing home.

A Sydney construction worker who worked on the construction site of Costco at Boolaroo has tested positive to COVID-19, prompting an alert from Hunter New England Health.

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

Crews were called to Melbourne Street at 5.15am on Friday where a large shed at the rear of a home is well alight.

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

Lower Hunter residents are being urged to hold off on hanging the washing out this weekend as the NSW Rural Fire Service conducts a number of hazard reduction burns.

midnight on Thursday to find the rear of the home well alight.

Newcastle researchers have been awarded $595,000 by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to continue their work into early detection methods of the disease.

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.

The key features of the draft masterplan include an inclusive playground, multi-sports hub and outdoor community events space.