The Western NSW Local Health District has recorded its largest fluctuation of new COVID-19 cases across the region, nine of which are from the Western Plains app area.

Up to 8pm last night WNSWLHD recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 - 35 are in Dubbo, seven in Bourke, one in Narromine, five in Orange and one in Walgett. This takes total case numbers in the district to 369.

The vast majority of these cases remain in Dubbo, with nearly 300 active cases.

Though WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan reported none of the Bourke or Narromine cases were infectious in the community, he said it was an "extremely concerning day" for the district.

"We've now got over 110 venues of concern and this continues to grow every day - can I please urge everyone to keep an eye on the NSW Health website," he said.

Though 24 people have now recovered from their original infection, the number of patients in hospital has continued to increase.

15 cases are currently in hospital, five are in intensive care and two are being ventilated. 340 cases are currently being cared for in the WNSWLHD's Care in the community Program.

Following work on the Bourke Multi-Purpose Health Service to help care for patients with COVID-19, one of these patients is now being treated in Bourke.

Low testing remains a concern

When it came to sewerage testing, Mr McLachlan reported there had been no new locations added to the current list, though there had been positive results in Gilgandra and Orange, both of which have active cases.

Individual testing had once again seen a decline from the previous 24 hours - with 6000 across the region.

Mr McLachlan said he was very concerned about the low testing numbers and urged people to take advantage of the many testing currently opportunities available.

"We’d love to see about double the number of tests done every day that are being reported - we've seen a decrease in a number of locations in the last week," he said.

"Now's the time - any signs or symptoms or concerns you might have, the slightest sniffle, fever, scratchy throat or upset tummy, please come and get tested as quickly as possible - this is a crucial period for us to get in front of this."

An updated list of testing locations across the Western Plains and in Dubbo is available here.

New faster testing technology is also on the way, with Mr McLachlan reporting the delivery of 'LIAT machines' - which some studies reporting a turnaround of around 20 minutes - to Bourke and Walgett.

"That's been a great addition to our artillery of trying to test quickly and get people results," he said.

"We're also looking this afternoon at a whole range of technology about to come into Australia that will enable us to do some mobile testing that can drop into a community if we do have an outbreak and need to test a large volume of people - that might still be a week or two away."

ADF Vaccination clinics being well received while others see low attendance

Mr McLachlan also praised communities for taking advantage of the ADF vaccination clinics currently being rolled out in regional NSW.

The clinics are currently active in Bourke and Narromine and will begin in Brewarrina and Trangie on Friday 27 August. A fully updated list can be found here.

At the same time, other recently established vaccination clinics, such as one set up between WNSWLHD and Loxley Health in the Coonamble Showground between Tuesday 24 August and Sunday 29 August has seen a low turnout.

"Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca are very safe and effective vaccinations - we've got those readily available in the communities of Coonamble and surrounding communities in coming days," Mr McLachlan said.

"Loxley Health are doing a fantastic job and they've got a team of people ready to go right now.

"So even this afternoon, don't hesitate, come down and it will be very quick, very painless - the best thing you can do is protect yourself and your family around you so please come and get vaccinated."

For all the latest information about COVID-19 across the Western Plains, including some handy links, check out our COVID-19 button.