Newcastle International Hockey Centre (NIHC) has been closed until Monday as community sport organistations across the Hunter region deal with the latest coronavirus cases.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The NIHC made an announcement on Thursday and the closure comes into effect almost immediately, meaning no training or matches for senior or junior players from 4pm on August 6 to 8am on August 10.
CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Sushi restaurant added to stadium, Queens Wharf and Wests on warning list
- Where to get a COVID-19 test in Newcastle and the Hunter
- St Pius student caught bus, played for Jets in Sydney before positive test
- Second Hamilton pub forced to close for cleaning over coronavirus case
- National: Australian coronavirus updates as new restrictions kick in
The decision was made following discussions between officials at NIHC, Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association and Newcastle Men's Hockey Association.
An online statement was released: "Due to the current COVID-19 situation and following discussions between NDWHA, Newcastle Men's Hockey and the NIHC, it has been decided that the NIHC will be closed from 4pm today (Thursday, August 6) until 8am on Monday August 10. All training and games for junior boy's, junior girl's, women's and men's competitions will not take place during this time. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time."
Competitions at NIHC resumed in July after a four-month delay, however, at least two men's Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League fixtures had recently been potsponed because of coronavirus concerns.
Two positive COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours, including a teenage member of the Newcastle Jets junior academy, has seen Adamstown high school St Pius X closed while seven venues, including McDonald Jones Stadium, were identified by Hunter New Enlgand Health.
Elsewhere, Racing NSW announced that Saturday's meeting at Newcastle will be "restricted to essential personnel only" meaning it is "closed to owners and the general public".
Newcastle Netball Association president Cheryl Hernando said "we are monitoring the situation" having only returned to the courts on Saturday.
Northern NSW Football, Newcastle Rugby League, Newcastle Hunter Community Rugby League and AFL Hunter Central Coast competitions are going ahead as scheduled at this stage.
The Hunters and Mustangs both have Waratah League basketball matches at home on Saturday, hosting Canberra in Newcastle and Hills at Maitland respectively.
The Newcastle Northstars are set to line-up against the Sydney Ice Dogs at Macquarie Ice Rink on Saturday in game two of the Hawkesbury Classic.
The Hunter Wildfires are due to meet the Marlins at Manly Oval on Saturday in round four of the Shute Shield rugby union competition.
The Maitland Pickers and Central Coast Roosters have byes in their respective NSW Rugby League competitions - President's Cup and Women's Premiership.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN OTHER NEWS
- NRL: Knights coach declares Blake Green's mid-season signing a game changer
- NRL: Injured Best's date with destiny as Moga dropped for match against Tigers
- A-League: Jets sale talks not impacted as Mariners put on the market
- NNSW NPL: Broadmeadow keen to regain Majurovski's touch for Olympic derby
- Rugby Union: New No.10 to help Wildfires kick-start Shute Shield campaign
