Covid cases continue to climb in Bourke with another five people identified as positive in the 24 hours up to 8pm Saturday 25 September.

They were among 21 new cases across the Western Local Health District (LHD) yesterday with 11 in Wellington and 5 in Cowra and all other towns, including Dubbo, keeping calm with 0 cases. The latest cases brings the tally to 1172 across the LHD with 808 of those in the Dubbo LGA.

More than 930 people have been discharged from the Care in the Community Program as they recover from the covid virus and are no longer infectious while 195 people are still receiving treatment from nursing and specialist staff through this program.

At present there are 17 people in hospital, six in Intensive Care and three of those needing ventilation.

Bourke and Walgett remain in lockdown. 

Resources such as additional nursing staff and temporary accommodation to assist isolating families are being directed to Bourke shire where the total number of cases has reach 117 - 92 in Bourke township and 25 in Enngonia.

With a total of 31 positive cases (and six of these not currently in the district) Walgett has now seen four days without a new case. However officials are concerned that low testing turnouts might be providing a false sense of safety to that community.

No symptoms? Testing still recommended.

Local MPs have reminded residents that 'surveillance testing' is now available for the entire Western LHD.

Surveillance testing means you don’t have to isolate while waiting for your test results, UNLESS:

- You or someone you live with has symptoms

- You’ve been directed to isolate by NSW Health

- You’ve been to a venue of concern

- A person in your household is a close contact of a confirmed COVID case

"This a great initiative which will better protect our regional communities," said Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders.

"It is helping health authorities reduce the spread of COVID-19 by identifying and isolating more asymptomatic cases."

To support those testing, the “test and isolate” payment of $320 is also available across the region.

"It is to encourage you to test early, and isolate if you have any COVID symptoms or any concerns," said Mr Saunders.

"This payment will help take the pressure off if you don’t have access to any leave entitlements, or other support payments."

Click here for more information.

To find out where to go to get a covid test click here.

Help for workers and businesses

For communities still in lockdown and those staff and businesses impacted by Stay at Home orders in other towns, there is assistance available if you’ve lost work due to the restrictions.

Workers who have lost hours an call 180 22 66 or visit

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/.../getting-help...

Businesses can call 13 77 88 or go to https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/concierge and arrange a call-back.