The whole of NSW is set to go into a seven-day state-wide lockdown as authorities scramble to contain the spread of COVID-19.
While many regional areas were already in lockdown after the virus escaped Sydney, the new order will be in effect for areas in which no cases have been confirmed.
The lockdown will start at 5pm on Saturday and continue for a week. It will replace all other current health orders, meaning the Hunter's current two week lockdown will be extended at least another few days.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the action comes after "updated health advice from NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant".
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the move was being made "to minimise movement and protect our communities from the evolving COVID situation in Sydney".
He told ABC News with sewage surveillance detecting traces of the virus in areas with no known cases, and with a number of regional areas already in lockdown, the measure was "appropriate".
It comes after the state recorded its "most concerning day" with Premier Gladys Berejiklian announcing a record 466 cases of coronavirus and four deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm Friday. There were 13 cases in the Hunter, three of which were infectious in the community.
There will be a one day "grace period" for planned weddings and funerals in the regional areas that have not already been subjected to a lockdown.
All schools across regional NSW will move to remote learning from Monday.
