From Lake Munmorah cases to a region in lockdown: how the Hunter's COVID crisis unfolded

THE region's worst fears appear to have come to fruition on Thursday as schools close, children become confirmed cases and testing clinics heave.

Police have urged people to exercise caution as the region rushes to undergo testing.

Maitland Christian School, Morisset High School and Lake Munmorah Public School have closed after saying they were informed of confirmed cases.

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THE HUNTER HOLDS ITS BREATH:

• Maitland school, Glendale Target alerts as Hunter school students test positive to COVID-19
  
• Should Newcastle be in lockdown? What comes after the sewage result
  
• 'I almost feel like giving up': jab hopes fade after cancellation
• 'Move quickly': Shift to online learning amid Hunter outbreak, teachers say