NSW Covid update: Five deaths, 262 new cases

Five people have died from Covid as NSW recorded 262 new cases and the Premier announced a snap lockdown for the Hunter region. 

• This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Click here for full digital access for just $1 a week for the first 12 weeks.

Five people have died from Covid on a dark day for NSW where 262 more people were diagnosed with the virus.

Of the latest deaths, three people were aged in their 60s, one in their 70s and one in their 80s. Four of the five people were not vaccinated while one person had received the first dose of AstraZeneca. 

At least 45 of the new cases were infectious in the community. 

The Premier has also announced a one week lockdown for the Hunter and upper Hunter region including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook. The stay at home order will begin from 5pm tonight.

It comes after five people in the Hunter New England region were diagnosed with Covid overnight. Officials are investigating a party held at Blacksmith Beach in Swansea as a potential spreading site.

Lake Munmorah Public School on the Central Coast, Morisset High School at Lake Macquarie and Maitland Christian School have shut after students tested positive.

Read today's Covid updates below.

NSW recorded 262 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 129 linked to a known case or cluster – 96 household contacts and 33 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 133 cases is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/fB3aeY3BlZ

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 5, 2021