BY JARROD MELMETH

Three new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Hunter, bringing the regions total to 182.

The new cases are one in Whitebridge, one in Edgeworth and one in Cessnock. The Whitebridge and Cessnock cases were infectious while in the community. The Edgeworth case is not linked to the aged care cluster and it’s unclear whether they were infectious in the community. Health Officials say investigations are ongoing.

State wide it was another record day with NSW recording another 1290 cases.

On Friday, Hunter New England Health announced a positive COVID case at Kurri Kurri which was infectious in the community. Health officials say following extensive investigation and repeated testing the case has now been excluded.

Two Hunter prisons have remain locked down on Monday after it was revealed several prisoners had mixed with inmates at Sydney’s Parklea Prison who have since tested positive to COVID-19.

Cessnock and Shortland Correctional Centres were locked down on Sunday along with 21 other jails across the state which have closed as a precaution.

Meanwhile, The Hub daycare at Waratah has been forced to close for cleaning after a positive COVID case attended the centre on multiple days last week.

The centre informed parents of the exposure via email on Sunday and said the school would be closed on Monday and potentially Tuesday.

A number of new exposure sites have been listed overnight including at Thornton, Kotara and Raymond Terrace. Anyone who attended the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and is required to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
-BP, 5 Glenwood Drive, Thornton on Saturday 21 August between 8am – 8:10am
-Kinn Thai, Westfield Kotara on Wednesday 25 August between 6:30pm – 6:40pm
-Subway, Raymond Terrace Marketplace on Wednesday August 25 between 11:55am – 12pm
-Wok Express, Raymond Terrace on Wednesday 25 August between 12pm – 12:05pm
-Barrington Bakery, Raymond Terrace on Thursday 26 August between 3:45pm – 3:50pm