Maitland

19 of the Hunter's active cases are being cared for in hospital, including one in intensive care.

It brings the regions total to 521 cases since August 5.

The new cases are from the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Glen Innes local government areas.

It's the first time since August 27 that the states case numbers have dipped below 1000.

24 new COVID cases were recorded across the region on Friday.

The new cases are spread across the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Cessnock, Port Stephens and Gunnedah local government areas.

Maitland City Council has unveiled its plans to make High Street greener as part of the Administration Centre construction project.

The new cases have been recorded across five local government areas.

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

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