Up to 8pm last night there were 524 new cases of Covid-19 identified in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), the third consecutive day of cases hovering above the 500 mark. 

Of those cases, 57 are located in shires across the Western Plains.

Two cases were identified in Bourke, with four in Cobar, eight in Coonamble, six in Gilgandra, two in the Lachlan, 14 in Narromine, four in Walgett (including three in Lightning Ridge), seven in Warren, and 10 across the Warrumbungle Shire. 

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said that adjustments will be made in the healthcare system to help with increasing pressure on health services and staff. 

Across the state, elective non-urgent surgeries will be suspended until mid-February.

“We are seeing significant pressure on our health system, but our health system is strong and we have made the investments…it is important that we support it,” Mr Perrottet said.

Health authorities ar urging parents to take up vaccination opportunities for children aged 5-11, a demographic that hadn’t been able to receive the Covid-19 vaccination until recently. 

“Getting your kids vaxxed will help protect them against serious illness from Covid-19. It will also help protect your family, friends and community by reducing the spread of the virus,” the WNSWLHD reported. 

According to the Department of Education, vaccination is not mandatory for students in NSW, although it is highly encouraged.

Adjustments to vaccine mandates in some industries, however, such as nursing and teaching, will be adjusted to include a mandated booster shot.  

Across the state, 38,625 positive cases have been recorded up to 8pm last night.

With the requirement for PCR testing removed to verify a positive rapid antigen test (RATs), the figures both statewide and in the WNSWLHD may not accurately reflect the amount of new daily cases, omitting those who did test positive using RATs. 

Mr Perrottet announced today that a system will be made available from next week that will allow positive RATS to be reported, contributing to the daily reported case numbers. 

“If you do receive that positive rapid antigen test, then you register it through Service NSW,” Mr Perrotet said. 

Both testing and vaccination opportunities are available across the district, and can be found at the WNSWLHD site.