THE state government has today announced all current COVID-19 restrictions will be extended for another month despite a slight drop in hospitalisations due to the virus, including in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

Up to 8pm last night (Monday 24 January), there were 25 people in hospital with COVID-19, down from 37 in the previous 24 hours. One patient remains in intensive care.

Newly reported positive tests remained about the same with 259 positive PRC results and 363 RAT results identified in the district.

Positive PCR test results were identified in multiple Western Plains Shires, including Bogan (one), Coonamble (two), Gilgandra (five), Lachlan (five) and Warrumbungle (two).

Across the state, there here were 18,512 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 9,090 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 9,422 positive PCR tests.

While new case numbers have seen a slight decline this week, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced today COVID-19 restrictions would still be in place until at least the end of February.

This includes maintaining the one person per two square metre rule indoors in hospitality venues, mandatory mask wearing in all indoor settings except residences, a requirement to QR check in at certain premises such as hospitality venues and retail shops and restricting public singing and dancing to weddings, performers, instructors and students.

Mr Perrottet said the extension was important to ensure the continued protection of the community and public health system.

“We have always said we will respond to what is in front of us and tailor our approach as required and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are transitioning to living with COVID and we will need to continually update our approach to ensure we are keeping people safe and protecting our health system."

The extended restrictions will now be in place until Sunday 28 February 2022.

According to the government, eligible people coming forward to get their COVID-19 vaccination boosters also remain crucial to maximising the state's protection from the virus.

"The gap between your second jab and your booster is now just three months, so don’t waste time – the sooner we all get our boosters the sooner we will overcome this Omicron wave,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

“The NSW community has put in an extraordinary effort to get the first two doses of the COVID vaccine, making us one of the most vaccinated populations worldwide.

"It’s now extremely important to back it in with your booster to lift your protection against the highly transmissible Omicron strain.”