Western NSW has hit its lowest case numbers in over a month, reaching 12 new cases overnight, although concern is rife that the positive milestone is a consequence of the region’s record low testing numbers.

Up to 8pm last night 12 new cases were recorded in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), with 5 identified in Bathurst, 4 in Dubbo, 2 in Bourke and one in Walgett. 

Of those cases, seven are known to be linked through household contacts, four are linked to clusters, and five are under investigation. Six of the cases were infection in the community. 

UPDATE: At the 11am press conference today, authorities referred to the outbreak going on at Walgett and said if there are people living in Walgett or in nearby communities travelling to and from Walgett to come forward to get tested. There is a particular concern for the community of Coonamble and a push for testing to increase.

As testing numbers hit ‘rock bottom’ over the weekend, Chief Executive of WNSWLHD Scott McLachlan says he believes the low case numbers are a reflection of locals’ choice not to get tested.  

“I’m sure there’s a connection there, a real risk of people circulating around their community that are infectious that aren’t getting tested and might not know they have covid,” Mr McLachlan said. 

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders added that the low testing numbers could potentially influence local towns’ chances of lockdowns lifting early.

“There is an undiscovered river of covid flowing around somewhere. We are continuing with optimistic hesitancy,” said Mr Saunders. 

While the region strives to reach a status of 70 per cent double vaccinations by mid-October, a surge in missed vaccination appointments threatens the region’s progress. 

Those who are unable to attend their vaccination appointments are urged to get in contact with their vaccination provider to re-book, giving the opportunity for another member of the community to get vaccinated. 

The positive case in the Walgett LGA, located in Lightning Ridge (which is still being investigated) has brought a push for higher testing numbers, with authorities looking to extend testing facilities. 

Currently, Lightning Ridge testing is undertaken at the local Multipurpose Service Centre, where locals are urged to call ahead and get tested. 

As authorities look to incentivise testing, a trial in Liverpool of surveillance testing that allows people to avoid isolating while awaiting test results could encourage higher testing numbers. 

Although the WNSWLHD hasn’t confirmed any movement towards this model, Mr Saunders says they are looking at different models that could raise testing numbers, disappointed that the current system isn’t producing the desired results. 

With 22 health staff currently in isolation in the region, a nationwide recruitment campaign is underway to identify additional staff and fill the positions of compromised workers. 

“These are our most precious staff…our health services are precious resources to help protect and support,” said Mr McLachlan. 

Despite the hesitancy surrounding low case numbers, the period of lows has continued, with a record low of compliance breaches in the district. The newfound compliance levels follows a number of LGAs in the district having their stay-at-home orders lifted over the weekend, on the premise that those communities don’t produce a positive case. 

As today promises the small freedom of gatherings of five fully vaccinated adults in a public outdoor area, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie has warned that anyone not following social distancing, mask wearing, or able to produce proof of full vaccination will be given an infringement notice. 

“Don’t be surprised if you do get asked by police to produce evidence of your double vaccination,” said Mr McKechnie.

The freedom of fully vaccinated persons to gather outside extends state-wide. Only five people can gather together one time in a public outdoor setting, with children under 12 excluded from that count. Those aged between 12 and 16 do not need to be fully vaccinated, but do count towards the maximum of five.