New Covid-19 cases have broken out in Coonabarabran over the weekend, with a potential exposure in a local school. 

Up to 8pm last night four new cases were recorded in the community, following 13 positive cases on the Saturday, and the first single case on Friday.

Since the first case, members of the community have flocked to their local testing sites, with the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) urging those in line to be prepared for significant wait times, and to come armed with food and water.  

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal said that while unconfirmed, a local school could be impacted by the outbreak. 

“Based on our investigations so far, it appears at least one school in the Coonabarabran area could be impacted. We are continuing to work with the NSW Department of Education to complete venue risk assessments,” Mr Spittal said. 

Parents are encouraged to keep their children home from school if they are unwell or displaying symptoms and to get tested immediately. Families are urged not to return to work or school and to isolate until a negative result is returned. 

The rise in cases and testing numbers prompted a pop-up drive through testing site to be established at Coonabarabran Community Health (98/92 Cassilis Street). Drive through testing will continue to be available today (Monday, November 22) and tomorrow from 8:15 am to 1 pm. 

Depending on demand, consideration will be made to extend the pop-up site. 

Mr Spittal said the evolving situation is another reminder COVID-19 is still creeping around our communities. 

“This is not a reason to panic, it is a reason to continue being cautious so I’m urging anyone with concerns to get tested immediately. Do so urgently if you have any signs or symptoms,” Mr Spittal said.

Coonabarabran’s Mint Leaf Café has been listed as a venue of concern, with a positive Covid-19 case having visited the venue on Friday, November 22, from 8:30 am to 9 am. 

Anyone who attended the venue should monitor symptoms and get a Covid-19 test. 

The outbreak has caused several businesses in the community to close their doors today and potentially over the next few days, including the Warrumbungle Shire Council customer service desk and the local Service NSW agency. 

The outbreak serves as a timely reminder for anyone who hasn’t yet to seek vaccination, according to Mr Spittal. 

“Our vaccination rates across the district are strong and we know almost 90 per cent of the eligible population in the Warrumbungle Shire, which includes Coonabarabran, have had at least two doses of a vaccination,” he said. 

“There are opportunities for vaccination available all over the community, including WNSWLHD hubs and also through GPs, pharmacies and the Primary Health Network along with Aboriginal Medical Services.”